Electronic proposal preparation system

ABSTRACT

An electronic system for creating customized product proposals stores a plurality of pictures and text segments to be used as building blocks in creating the proposal. The pictures may include various products, environments in which the products may be used, and available product options. The text segments may include textual descriptions of the product, environments in which the product may be used, and its performance specifications. The system queries a user to determine a customer&#39;s needs and interests. Based upon the answers to the queries, the system selects the appropriate picture and text building blocks to fill in proposal templates. The system can print the completed proposal templates to provide the user with a customized, printed proposal that describes features and benefits of a product, in a particular environment, that are of interest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/566,029 filed May 8, 2000 (patented as U.S. Pat. No. 7,606,739),which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/823,534 filedMar. 24, 1997 (abandoned), which is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 08/596,575 filed Feb. 5, 1996 (patented as U.S. Pat. No.5,615,342), which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.07/878,602 filed May 5, 1992 (patented as U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,490). Thedisclosure of all of these applications is expressly incorporated hereinby specific reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for creating a customizedproposal by linking together product pictures, environment picturesshowing environments in which the product may be used, and text relatedto the product. The system includes means for linking togetherpredetermined product pictures, environment pictures, and text basedupon a potential customer's answers to predetermined queries.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many products, such as cars, are illustrated to customers by preprintedbrochures. Car dealerships, for example, have glossy brochures that showpictures of cars and generic textual descriptions of the cars. Acustomer may test drive and actually inspect a particular car ofinterest. The dealership will also furnish the customer with one of thepreprinted brochures of the car. The brochure documents and containsinformation about the car. The customer may refer to the brochure andpotentially be quite influenced by it in making a decision regardingwhether to purchase the car.

The generic nature of these preprinted brochures, however, may have anegative impact on the customer's ultimate decision of whether topurchase and thus are often not persuasive. Traditionally, only onebrochure is available for each car, for example, and every potentialpurchaser of that car receives the same brochure. These brochurescontain glossy photographs of the car in a variety of settings, whichmay include, for example, a country setting, city environment, golfcourse, and marina. Next to the photographs, the brochures usuallycontain generic textual descriptions of the car or potential uses of thecar. Finally, the brochures typically contain standard lists of optionsfor the car along with complex pricing charts from which one maycalculate a price based on a matrix of options and prices.

The preprinted brochures contain all of these different settings for thecar and generic information in an attempt to appeal to any potentialpurchaser. For example, one customer may enjoy golfing, and the brochurecontains a photograph of the car at a golf course to appeal to thatcustomer and influence that customer in his or her decision to purchasethe car. Another customer may want to use the car to take long tripswhich pass through the country, and the photograph in the brochure ofthe car in a country setting is designed to appeal to that customer.

The brochures also contain standard pricing charts. Since every brochureis generic to any customer, however, it must contain complex pricingcharts that include a matrix of options and prices. Furthermore, sinceprices of the car or options often change, the information in thebrochure can easily be out of date. Also, much of the pricinginformation is not of interest to a particular customer, since thecustomer will typically be interested in the price for a single, orrelatively few, combinations of options for the car.

In containing all of this varied and generic information in an attemptto be “all things to every customer,” the preprinted brochures actuallyare of limited value to any particular customer. The brochures are notcustomer specific and, therefore, are not particularly appealing orpersuasive for any customer. The typical brochure contains muchinformation that is of no value or interest to a particular customer dueto the varied and generic nature of the product pictures and textualdescriptions. Furthermore, these preprinted brochures are expensive toproduce because of the glossy photographs and may be quickly out ofdate, meaning that either a dealership must discard the brochures orprovide customers with “old” brochures.

The present invention solves these problems by utilizing acomputer-based system to dynamically create customized, printedproposals for potential purchasers of a product. The system queries acustomer to determine his or her interests and desired options. Theinterests may include a “use” desired by the customer, such as a marinaor golf course. The interests may also include the type of information,such as technical, that the customer would like in the proposal. Thedesired options may include the various features of interest to thecustomer, such as the type of engine desired.

Based upon the customer's answers to the queries, the system linksproduct pictures, environment pictures, and textual descriptionstogether in a customized proposal. The system also has the capability tolink together other aspects in the proposal, which may includeenvironment text describing the product in a particular setting orenvironment. The customized proposal, therefore, contains pictures,textual descriptions, and pricing information that is all of interest toand relevant to a specific customer, since all of the pictures and textwere linked together based upon the customer's answers.

Since each proposal is customized for a particular customer, eachproposal will have a much more persuasive effect in selling the product.Also, if any information about the product changes, such as prices ofoptions, the system information stored in a data base may be simplychanged in order to accommodate the new information. Additional textualdescriptions or pictures may also be added to the system data base to beused in linking together information for a proposal.

The quality of the pictures produced in these customized, printedproposals can be made comparable in quality to the glossy photographs inprior art proposals due to recent advances in computer printers.Printers such as the Canon CLC-300 produce color computer print-outsthat resemble color photographs. These customized proposals, therefore,need not be inferior to prior art proposals in terms of the quality ofavailable pictures for the proposals.

This system for producing customized, high-quality proposals has manypotential applications, such as in the car industry. A customizedproposal generated by the present invention will have a great appeal toeach individual customer and will be an asset in selling the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating conceptually picture and textdatabases of the computerized proposal system.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating conceptually an electronic proposaltemplate of the computerized proposal system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the preferred system.

FIG. 3 is an object diagram showing an active database.

FIG. 4 is a class diagram showing a detailed depiction of the classes ina preferred proposal data class.

FIG. 5 is an object diagram showing a detailed depiction of a preferredtable of contents object.

FIG. 6 is a class diagram showing a detailed depiction of the classes ina preferred customized data class.

FIG. 7 is an object diagram showing a user interface.

FIG. 8 is a class diagram showing a detailed depiction of the classes ina preferred form class.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the contents of a static database.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a detailed depiction of the elementsin a preferred report generator.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a detailed depiction of the elementsin a preferred selection device.

FIG. 12 is a detailed depiction of the elements in a preferred mainmenu.

FIG. 13 is a detailed depiction of the elements within the “Contents”selection of the preferred main menu.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the contents of a differencedatabase.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the contents of a report database.

FIG. 16 is an object diagram showing a detailed depiction of theelements in a preferred user interface.

FIG. 17 is an object diagram showing a detailed depiction of theelements in an active database.

FIG. 18 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when selecting pages to print.

FIG. 19 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating a cover sheet.

FIG. 20 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering customer identification data.

FIG. 21 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating customer identification data.

FIG. 22 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering salesperson identification data.

FIG. 23 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating salesperson identification data.

FIG. 24 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering letter information.

FIG. 25 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating a personalized letter.

FIG. 26 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when selecting product descriptions.

FIG. 27 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating product description pages.

FIG. 28 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering product specification information.

FIG. 29 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating product specification pages.

FIG. 30 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating performance specification pages.

FIG. 31 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering trade-in product information.

FIG. 32 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating trade-in product pages.

FIG. 33 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering product price quotation information.

FIG. 34 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating product price quotation pages.

FIG. 35 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering product financing information.

FIG. 36 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering product financing pages.

FIG. 37 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when entering life cycle cost information.

FIG. 38 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating life cycle cost pages.

FIG. 39 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating a table of contents page.

FIG. 40 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when printing a trademark.

FIG. 41 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when choosing a language.

FIG. 42 is an object diagram illustrating a preferred flow of controlinvolved when generating a signature page.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present computer system is preferably implemented using ObjectOriented Design (OOD). Because OOD is a fairly new programming method, abrief explanation of OOD design concepts will be offered here in orderto ensure a better understanding.

The resource used for preparing this explanation is: Grady Booch,“Object Oriented Design with Applications,” 1991, published by TheBenjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, Inc.

According to Booch, the Object Oriented Design methodology views the“world” as a set of autonomous agents that collaborate to perform higherlevel behavior. The OOD agents are called objects. Objects can have astate, behavior and identity. A set of objects that share a commonstructure and common behavior are called a class. A set of objectsworking together to provide, a behavior that satisfies some requirementof a problem is called a mechanism.

The design described herein is an object-oriented design. This design isdescribed using object diagrams which show the interaction of theobjects that make up the application. In addition, class diagrams areused to present the architecture of the system.

Unless otherwise stated, all classes making up the architecture of thesystem preferably are derived from a common base class named CWCObject.Where this is not the case, class diagrams are used.

INTRODUCTION

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate conceptually a primary feature of thecomputerized proposal system. The system allows a user to dynamicallycustomize and create a proposal for individual customers. The customizedproposal may contain specific items for a particular customer, dependingupon the customer's needs and desires.

FIG. 1A shows conceptually a database 50 that electronically stores aplurality of pictures. The pictures may include environment pictures51-55, product pictures 56, and pictures for various parts 57 and 58. Atextual descriptions database 59 may store a plurality of text segmentsthat correspond to various pictures in the picture database 50.

FIG. 1B illustrates conceptually an electronic template for creating apage in a customized proposal. The system may query a user to determinea particular customer's needs and interests. Based upon the answers tothe queries, the system may “fill in” the template 60 to customize aproposal for the customer. For example, if the customer has an interestin sailing or boating, the system may choose a picture of a marinaenvironment 51 to use as the background or environment 62 in picture 61of template 60. Likewise, if the customer has an interest in golfing,the system may choose a golf course environment 52. Within theenvironment 62, the system places a product 63 by selecting one of theplurality of product picture 56 based upon the customer's answers.

Each product 63 typically has several options available to the customer,such as the type of engine and wheels. Based upon the customers answers,which indicate the customer's desired options, the system may selectparts from the picture database 50 for parts 64 and 65 on product 63 inthe template. The system may also select one of the plurality of textsegments 59 to fill in text frame 66. The text in the text frame 66would typically correspond to picture 61 and, for example, provide adescription of the product or its performance specifications.

Accordingly, the system uses the stored pictures in the picture database50 as building blocks for filling in the template. The systemestablishes a customer profile based on the customer's answers toqueries. The system then uses the profile to “build” the empty frames,such as picture 61, in template 60.

The approach of using picture building blocks provides for muchversatility and the capability to customize a proposal. Products may beshown in anyone of a variety of environments by simply selecting theappropriate picture building blocks. Likewise, any combination ofoptions may be shown on a particular product by selecting theappropriate part picture building blocks. Each combination of picturesfor a finished template need not be pre-stored, since the systemdynamically builds a template. Also, the system provides furtheradvantages by allowing easy change of options. For example, if aparticular type of wheel is no longer available on a truck, a user maysimply change the stored picture for that wheel. Options may easily bechanged by loading and storing new part pictures in the picturedatabase. The system, therefore, provides for customized proposals thatare up-to-date and may accommodate changes in available options. Forsimplicity, the system has been conceptually shown with a product in anenvironment. One skilled in the art will recognize that the system iscapable of creating different types of templates or proposals based ondifferent picture building blocks or different combinations of thebuilding blocks.

Overview

Referring now to FIG. 2, a computer system 100 is shown. Preferredcomputer system 100 incorporates an active database 103, a staticdatabase 105, a report database 106, a user interface 102, a selectiondevice 101, and a report generator 104. The computer system 100 may alsoincorporate a difference database 107. The selection device 101 isoperatively interconnected to the active database 103, to the reportdatabase 106, to the report generator 104, and to the user interface102. The active database 103, the report database 106, the staticdatabase 105, and the difference database 107 are operativelyinterconnected to the report generator 104. Referring now to FIG. 2 incombination with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the active database 103 mayelectronically store proposal related customer information in theproposal object 110. A proposal object 110 is an instance of theproposal class which is itself derived from the CWCObject class. Theactive database 103 may contain a plurality of proposal objects 110.Each proposal object 110 may contain a plurality of ProposalData objects112. The ProposalData objects 112 may store customer-related informationcollected by the user. ProposalData objects 112 are instances of theProposalData class 320 which is derived from the CWCObject class.

Customer-related information may be entered interactively via the userinterface 102 typically beginning at the time the program is firststarted, and may continue to be entered intermittently throughout thetime the program is running. Referring now to FIG. 7, in combinationwith FIG. 3, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, the user-entered information may begathered on one or more of the various Form objects 118, and then storedin one or more of the various ProposalData objects 112 in the proposal110 in the active database 103.

Table 1 shows how information is stored in a preferred embodiment: thefirst column indicates the type of information stored; the second columnindicates the corresponding object by which a user may enter theinformation; the third column indicates the corresponding class of whichthe object is an instance; and the fourth column indicates thecorresponding form class from which the class in the third column isderived. The classes are identified in the table by reference numeralsand preferably have the same identifying label as the objects to whichthey correspond. For example, reference numeral 361 in table 1 refers tothe TradeForm class 361.

TABLE 1 Type of Form Information Object Class Class trade-in productTradeForm Object 292 361 340 product price quotation QuotationFormobject 294 362 340 financing a product FinanceForm object 296 364 340product life cycle cost LifeCycleForm object 298 366 340 personalizedletter LetterForm object 288 358 340 product ProductForm object 290 360340 customer CustomerForm object 286 356 340 table of contentsTableOfContentsForm object 284 354 340 salespersonListOfSalesPersonsForm object 352 340 310 to save a proposalSaveProposalForm object 308 350 340 to recall a storedRecallProposalForm object 306 348 340 proposal language LanguageFormobject 304 346 340 dealer DealerForm object 302 344 340 passwordPasswordForm object 300 342 340

Objects of classes derived from a common base class can be referred toas if they were objects of the common base class due to the principle ofpolymorphism. The TradeForm object 292 can therefore be treatedgenerically as a Form object 118. The user interface 102 typicallycomprises a collection of such Form objects 118, each of which can bemade to load itself into a window on the computer screen.

Table 2 shows how information gathered by the various objects describedabove may be stored as data objects in a preferred embodiment: the firstcolumn indicates the type of information stored; the second columnindicates the corresponding data object in which the information may bestored; the third column indicates the corresponding data class of whichthe data object is an instance; and the fourth column indicates thecorresponding class from which the data class in the third column isderived. The data classes are identified in the table by referencenumerals and preferably have the same identifying label as the dataobjects to which they correspond. For example, reference numeral 380 inTable 2 refers to the TradeData class 380. Each of the listed dataobjects in Table 2 may preferably be treated generically as aProposalData object 112 and stored as one of the various ProposalDataobjects 112 in the proposal object 110.

TABLE 2 Type of Data Information Data Object Class Class trade-inproduct TradeData Object 142 380 320 product price quotationQuotationData object 144 382 320 financing a product FinanceData object146 384 320 product life cycle cost LifeCycleData object 148 386 320personalized letter LetterData object 138 376 320 product ProductDataobject 140 378 320 customer CustomerData object 136 374 320 cover sheetCoverSheetData object 132 372 320 table of contents TableOfContentsDataobject 130 368 320 salesperson SalesPersonData object 134 370 320

Referring now to FIG. 2 in combination with FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 16, andFIG. 17, the active database 103 may electronically store dealer,salesperson, and language information in the customized database 114. Acustomized database 114 is an instance of the CustomizeDataBase classwhich is itself derived from the CWCObject class. The active database103 may contain a plurality of customized database 114. Each customizeddatabase 114 may contain a plurality of CustomizeData objects 116. TheCustomizeData objects 116 typically store dealer, salesperson, andlanguage information.

Table 3 shows how information gathered by the various objects describedabove may be stored as data objects in a preferred embodiment: the firstcolumn indicates the type of information stored; the second columnindicates the corresponding data object in which the information may bestored; the third column indicates the corresponding data class of whichthe data object is an instance; and the fourth column indicates thecorresponding class from which the data class in the third column isderived. The data classes are identified in the table by referencenumerals and preferably have the same identifying label as the dataobjects to which they correspond, For example, reference numeral 390 inTable 3 refers to the DealerData class 390.

Each of the listed data objects in Table 3 may preferably be treatedgenerically as a CustomizeData object 116 and stored as one of thevarious CustomizeData objects 116 in the customized database 114.

TABLE 3 Type of Data Information Data Object Class Class dealerDealerData object 156 390 330 salesperson ListOfSalesPersonsData object158 392 330 language LanguageData object 160 394 330 passwordPasswordData object 164 396 330The dealer, salesperson and language information may be restricted usinga password entry system.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in combination with FIG. 9, the static database105 may electronically store the following: a plurality of environmentpictures 122, and a plurality of environment text 124, both of which arerelated to the environment in which the product may be used; a pluralityof product pictures 126, and a plurality of product text 128, both ofwhich are related to features and benefits of the product; a pluralityof product specifications 121 which relate to the technical details ofthe product; a plurality of price specifications 125 which determine theprice of the product; a plurality of performance specifications 123which represent the performance of the product; a plurality of trademarkpictures 127 which identify the product; a plurality of productdescriptions 131 which describe the various products; and a plurality oflife cycle specifications 129 which determine the projected costinvolved in owning the product. The static database 105 may be stored onoptical media. The contents of the static database 105 preferably cannotbe altered by the user of this application. Changes to the staticdatabase 105 may be distributed to some or all of the users of thisapplication on either optical or magnetic media.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in combination with FIG. 14, the differencedatabase 107 may electronically store the updates to the static database105. If the static database 105 is stored on optical media, a differencedatabase 107, stored on magnetic media, may be used to store informationthat reflects net changes to the contents of the static database 105. Inthe event that updates are required for the computer system, theseupdates are typically stored on magnetic media and sent to all thevarious owners of the system who will want to update the contents of thestatic database 105. The difference database 107 may be used to storethe updates to the following: the plurality of environment pictures 122;the plurality of environment text 124: the plurality of product pictures126; the plurality of product text 128: the plurality of productspecifications 121; the plurality of price specifications 125: theplurality of performance specifications 123; the plurality of trademarkpictures 127; the plurality of product descriptions 131; and theplurality of life cycle specifications 129.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in combination with FIG. 15, the reportdatabase 106 may electronically store a plurality of page layouts 120which are used to format and produce the various pages of informationavailable for inclusion in the printed proposal.

Referring now to FIG. 2, when the user begins a deal with a customer,the user will typically want to gather specific customer and productinformation regarding this individual customer and the product thiscustomer is interested in purchasing. The user interface 102 is themeans by which the user may interactively input predetermined answers topredetermined queries, the predetermined answers corresponding to theindividual customer who is to receive the proposal.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in combination with FIG. 7 and FIG. 16, the userinterface 102 typically comprises a collection of Form objects 118 whichpresent a series of predetermined queries related to the varyinginterests of the different potential customers. The proposal-relatedinformation entered interactively by the user on the various Formobjects 118 preferably can be altered at any time by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in combination with FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG.11, the user interface 102 may also control operation of the selectiondevice 101 via the main menu 170 of the selection device. The main menu170 would typically include choices that prompt the selection device 101to send a message to a particular Form object 118 requesting that itdisplay itself.

Referring now to FIG. 12, when the user is first beginning to deal witha customer, the user will typically need to start a new proposal. Theuser may select “File” 172 from the main menu 170. Note that labelsidentifying menu choices may be altered in customized versions of thisapplication designed for different users. The “File” menu 172 containsthe option “New Proposal” 186, which the user selects when beginning todeal with a new customer. After the user has begun a new proposal, theinformation for this new proposal may be stored by selecting “SaveProposal . . . ” 190 from the “File” menu 172. After a proposal has beenstored, the user can modify the stored proposal by selecting the option“Recall proposal . . . ” 188 from the “File” menu 172.

Referring now to FIG. 11 in combination with FIG. 8 and FIG. 12, theuser may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170, whichopens a window with choices pertinent to customer and productinformation. These pertinent choices correspond to the various Formobjects 118, upon which the user enters information pertaining to thisparticular customer and the product the customer is interested inpurchasing.

Referring now to FIG. 12 in combination with FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 7, andFIG. 8, the user may select “Customer Information” 176 from main menu170, then further select “Customer . . . ” 198, which opens theCustomerForm object 286. The user may enter customer information via theCustomerForm object 286, which is then preferably stored in theCustomerData object 136 which is one of the ProposalData objects 112 inthe proposal object 110 in the active database 103. The user may select“Letter . . . ” 202 from “Customer Information” 176 and then enterinformation via the LetterForm object 288, which is then preferablystored in a LetterData object 138 as one of the ProposalData objects 112in the proposal object 110. In this same fashion, the user may select“Standard and Optional Equipment . . . ” 204 from “Customer Information”176, and then enter information via the ProductForm object 290, which isthen preferably stored in a ProductData object 140 as one of theProposalData objects 112 in the proposal object 110. The user may select“Trade . . . ” 206 from “Customer Information” 176, and then enterinformation via the TradeForm object 292, which is then preferablystored in a TradeData object 142 as one of the various ProposalDataobjects 112 in the proposal object 110. In a similar fashion, the usermay select “Quotation . . . ” 208 from “Customer Information” 176, andthen enter information via the QuotationForm object 294, which is thenpreferably stored in a QuotationData object 144 as one of the variousProposalData objects 112 in the proposal object 110. The user may select“Payment Schedule & Terms . . . ” 210 from “Customer Information” 176,and then enter information via the FinanceForm object 296, which is thenpreferably stored in a FinanceData object 146 as one of theProposalDatas objects 112 in the proposal object 110. The user mayselect “Economics . . . ” 212 from “Customer Information” 176, and thenenter information via the LifeCycleForm object 298, which is thenpreferably stored in a LifeCycleData object 148 as one of the variousProposalData objects 112 in the proposal object 110.

Referring now to FIG. 12 in combination with FIG. 3, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, andFIG. 8, the owner of the dealership, for example, may select the“Customize” menu 177 from main menu 170, then further select “Passwords. . . ” 224, which opens the PasswordForm object 300. The owner entersdealer and salesperson password information via the PasswordForm object300, which is then stored in a PassWordData object 164 as one of thevarious CustomizeData objects 116 in the customized database 114 in theactive database 103. The owner may select “Dealer Name . . . ” 226 fromthe customized menu selection 177 and then enter information via theDealerForm object 302, which is then preferably stored in a DealerDataobject 156 which is one of the CustomizeData objects 116 in theCustomizeDataBase 114. The user may select “Dealer Information . . . ”228 from the customized menu selection 177 and then enter salespersoninformation via the ListOfSalesPersonsForm object 310, which is thenpreferably stored in a ListOfSalesPersonsData object 158 which is one ofthe CustomizeData objects 116 in the CustomizeDataBase 114. In this samefashion, the user may select “International” 234 from the customizedmenu selection 177, and then choose a language on the LanguageFormobject 304, which is then preferably stored in a LanguageData object 160which is one of the CustomizeData objects 116 in the customized database114.

Computer system 100 may further be enhanced by the addition of a reportgenerator 104.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in combination with FIG. 10, the reportgenerator 104 includes mechanism 262 which comprises means forprocessing and generating the customized, printed proposal. The reportgenerator 104 may be operatively interconnected to the active database103, to the static database 105, to the report database 106, to theselection device 101, and to the user interface mechanism 102.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal to anindividual customer relating to the individual customer's interest in aproduct, the product being characterized by a variety of distinctivefeatures. The customized, printed proposal may include one or more pagescomprising the information collected during the process of dealing onthe purchase of the product.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in combination with FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, theuser may want to generate a printed proposal. In order to do so, theuser will typically first need to design a table of contents for theproposal, which entails selecting the individual pages that will beincluded. Using selection device 101, the user may select “Contents . .. ” 174 from the main menu 170. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a load message to the TableOfContentsForm object 284,as shown in FIG. 7, in combination with FIG. 16. On receipt of the loadmessage, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 displays itself within themain window of the selection device 101, as shown in FIG. 13.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in combination with FIG. 7, FIG. 3, and FIG.17, upon loading itself, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 may obtain apointer to the proposal object 110, from which the TableOfContentsFormobject 284 then obtains a pointer to the TableOfContentsData object 130.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the user selects the desired proposal pages,referred to as the current publication 260, from a list of pages,referred to on screen as “Table of Contents” 196, that are available forinclusion in the printed proposal. As the user selects the desired pagesfrom “Table of Contents” 196, these pages then preferably listthemselves on-screen under the heading “Current Publication.” Theselected pages, “Current Publication” 260, may be stored asPageDescription records 314 in the TableOfContentsData object 130, asshown in FIG. 5. (The contents of the pages to be printed are typicallynot stored; only the page description records describing the pages to beprinted are stored.)

Referring now to FIG. 13, in combination with FIG. 15, and FIG. 5, thePageDescription records 314 may each include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout 120 may be used to formateach page in the current publication 260. The page layout 120 determinesthe content and appearance of the final printed page.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in combination with FIG. 15, and FIG. 5, thereport generator 104 includes a mechanism 268 for reading the pagedescription records 314. The report generator 104 typically includes amechanism 270 for reading the page layout identifiers. The page layoutidentifiers may indicate which page layouts 120 are to be used to formatthe particular pages. The page layout identifiers may specify whichparticular data is required, and also specify where that particular datawill appear on the printed page. The report generator 104 provides amechanism 285 for linking the page layout identifiers with theparticular data that is to appear on the printed page. The reportgenerator 104 typically includes a mechanism 276 for placing theretrieved data in the appropriate locations on the page as described inthe page layout.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in combination with FIG. 12, the user maydecide to print the customized proposal for an individual customer. Theuser preferably selects “Print” 178 from the “File” menu 172, andfurther selects “Proposal” 218. The selection device 101 then sends aprint request to the report generator 104.

Referring now to FIG. 10, in combination with FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG.9, the report generator 104 may include a mechanism 264, which queriesthe active database 103. The report generator 104 may include amechanism 272 for locating and retrieving data from the active database103. This active data typically includes the customer and productinformation entered by the user via the user interface 102, theinformation which comprises the predetermined answers to predeterminedquestions, the predetermined answers corresponding to the individualcustomer who is to receive the proposal. The report generator 104preferably provides a mechanism 285 for linking these predeterminedanswers (active data) with the predetermined product pictures and text(static data) related to the individual features, benefits andenvironments that are of particular interest to the individual customer.These predetermined pictures and text may be obtained from the staticdatabase 105. The report generator 104 preferably includes the followingmechanisms: mechanism 266, which queries the static database 105;mechanism 274 for locating and retrieving data from the static database105; a dealer personalization mechanism 280 for generating a printedproposal automatically customized for a particular dealer; a customerpersonalization mechanism 282 for generating a printed proposalautomatically personalized for a particular customer; and mechanism 278for generating a printed proposal in a plurality of colors. For example,a generated printed proposal includes high-resolution graphics printedin real-life, photographic-quality colors, producing a printed pictureof a superior nature that enhances the readability as well as theoverall appearance of the printed proposal.

The following is a description of a preferred embodiment of thecomputerized system for generating a customized, printed proposal for anindividual customer's purchase of a product. The system as generallydescribed in FIG. 2 through FIG. 17 will further be detailed in thefollowing discussion and FIG. 18 through FIG. 42. In the preferredembodiment discussion that follows, the user may select from severalgeneric types of pages to include in the printed proposal. The types ofpages typically include cover sheets, personalized letters, productdescription pages, product specification pages, performancespecification pages, trade-in specification pages, product PriceQuotation pages, Finance plan pages, Life Cycle evaluation pages, Tableof Contents pages, and a Signature page. In the preferred embodiment, aTrademark may be printed on any of the pages of the proposal, and theproposal may be printed in anyone of a plurality of languages.

Proposal: Cover Sheet

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes a cover sheet 250. To include this cover sheet 250, the usermay select “Contents” 174 from the main menu 170 of the selection device101, as shown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. In response, the selection device101 preferably sends a load message to the TableOfContentsForm object,as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. On receipt of the load message, theTableOfContentsForm object displays itself within the main window of theselection device 101. Upon loading itself, the TableOfContentsFormobject may obtain a pointer to the proposal object 110, as shown by step18-3 of FIG. 18. The TableOfContentsForm object then obtains a pointerfrom the proposal object 110 to the TableOfContentsData object 1-30, asshown by step 18-4 of FIG. 18. The user may then select the desired“Cover Page” 250 from a list of pages that are available for inclusionin the printed proposal, as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selectedpage may be stored as a PageDescription record in theTableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-6 of FIG. 18. ThisPageDescription record may include a field that contains an identifierthat indicates which page layout 120 may be used to format the coversheet 250. The page layout 120 determines the content and appearance ofthe final printed page. The page layouts 120 may be stored in the reportdatabase 106.

To initiate the printing of the pages of the cover sheet 250, the usermay select “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device101, as shown by step 19-1 of FIG. 19. In response, the selection device101 preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, asshown by step 19-2 of FIG. 19. The report generator 104 typicallyqueries the active database 103 for successive page description recordsthat describe the pages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 19-3of FIG. 19. The active database 103 processes the request by searchingthe TableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal. Ifthe proposal is to include one or more cover sheet 250 pages comprisingpredetermined pictures and text related to features, benefits andenvironments of interest to the customer, the active database 103preferably queries the TableOfContentsData object 13Q for the applicablePageDescriptionRecord 314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returnsthe relevant PageDescription Record 314 to the active database 103. Theactive database 103 may then send the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314to the report generator 104, as shown by step 19-4 in FIG. 19. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layouts 120 may be used to formatthese particular cover sheet 250 pages. The report generator 104preferably queries the report database 106 for the applicable pagelayouts 120, as shown by step 19-5 in FIG. 19. The report database 106may return the relevant page layouts 120 to the report generator 104, asshown by step 19-6 in FIG. 19.

Each page layout 120 typically contains formatting specifications thatindicate where specific cover sheet 250 information may appear on theprinted page. The report generator 104 reads each format specificationto determine the data required at that location on the page.

The report generator 104 retrieves the text and pictures relating tofeatures, benefits and environments of particular interest to thecustomer from the static database 105 object, as shown by step 19-9 inFIG. 19. The static database 105 will preferably return this informationto the report generator 104, as shown by step 19-10 in FIG. 19. Thereport generator 104 typically repeats this process for each formatspecification on the page layout 120, which builds a cover sheet 250page that may then be sent to the printer, as shown by step 19-11 inFIG. 19. In this fashion, the Report Generator 104 may print one or morecustomized and individualized cover sheet 250 pages.

The user interface 102 provides means for inputting the customeridentification data of the individual customer who is to receive theproposal. The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the mainmenu 170 of the selection device 1001, as shown by step 20-1 in FIG. 20.In response, the selection device 1001 preferably sends a load messageto the CustomerForm object 286, as shown by step 20-2 in FIG. 20. Onreceipt of the load message, the CustomerForm object 286 displays itselfin a window within the main window of the selection device 101. TheCustomerForm object 286 may request a pointer to the current proposal,as shown by step 20-3 in FIG. 20. The CustomerForm object 286 typicallyrequests from the current proposal pointer to the CustomerData object136 for this proposal, as shown by step 20-4 in FIG. 20.

The CustomerForm object 286 presents a user interface 102 typicallycomprising text entry fields and predetermined questions for the user.The text entry fields allow the user to input the name, address,telephone number and other identification data of the individualcustomer who is to receive the proposal, as shown by step 20-5 in FIG.20. The predetermined questions allow the user to select one of a listof predetermined answers that correspond to the individual customer whois to receive the proposal. The customer information gathered by theCustomerForm object 286 may be stored in a CustomerData object 136within the current proposal, as shown by step 20-6 in FIG. 20.

The cover sheet 250 page layout 120 may specify that the name, addressand telephone number or other identification data of the customer appearon the cover sheet 250. The customer information may be stored in theCustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 preferably reads format specifications from thepage layout 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 inFIG. 21. When the particular formatting specification in the page layout120 requires the customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposal object110. The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 preferably builds the page using this information and sends it tothe printer, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The user interface 102 may also provide means for inputting thesalesperson identification data of the salesperson who is dealing withthe individual customer. When a salesperson first accesses the selectiondevice 101 to begin a proposal for a customer, a PasswordForm object ispreferably displayed automatically. The salesperson may enter his/hername and password using the PasswordForm object 300, as shown by step22-1 in FIG. 22. The PasswordForm object 300 typically requests from theselection device 101 a pointer to the ListOfSalesPersonsData object 158in the customized database 114, as shown by step 22-2 in FIG. 22. ThePasswordForm object 300, using this salesperson's password may locatethe name, address, and telephone number of the salesperson, which isstored in the customized database 114, in a ListOfSalesPersons object,as shown by step 22-3 in FIG. 22.

If the salesperson exists in the ListOfSalesPersons object, theselection device 101 will preferably create a new proposal, which willbe the current proposal, as shown by step 22-4 in FIG. 22. ThePasswordForm object 300 may then obtain a pointer to the SalesPersonDataobject 134 in the proposal, as shown by step 22-5 in FIG. 22. Thesalesperson information may be stored in the SalesPersonData object 134as a part of the current proposal, as shown by step 22-6 in FIG. 22.

Salesperson information for all the employees is preferably stored inthe customized database 114 in a ListOfSalesPersons object. The employermay create an individual SalesPerson object for each employee. TheListOfSalesPersons object is a data structure containing a list ofSalesPerson objects.

Dealership information may also be stored in the customized database 114in the DealerName object. The SalesPerson object and DealerName objectcan be created by the employer when the system is first purchased. Theemployer may choose to secure these two databases so that only theemployer's master password will allow access. These data structures maybe modified by the employer via the customized menu selection 177 in theselection device 101.

The user may choose to modify the name, address, and telephone number ofthe salesperson who is dealing with the individual customer, if thesalesperson information is not as it should appear in the printedproposal. To modify the salesperson information, the user may select theappropriate customized menu selection 177 in the main menu 170 of theselection device 101. However, access to the customized menu selection177 that allows modification of salesperson information and passwordsmay be restricted. If the employer has secured this data base, only theemployer's master password should allow access to the salespersoninformation.

The cover sheet 250 page layouts 120 may specify that the name, addressand telephone number of the salesperson appear on the cover sheet 250.The salesperson information is typically initially entered by theemployer in the ListOfSalesPersonsData object 158 and is stored in theindividual salesperson's SalesPersonData object 134 attached to theproposal. (See FIG. 22).

The report generator 104 reads format specifications from the pagelayout 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 1-23 in FIG.23. When the particular format specifiers require the salesperson'sname, address and telephone number to be included on a page format, thereport generator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database103 for the specified salesperson information, as shown by step 2-23 inFIG. 23. The active database 103 may obtain this salesperson informationfrom the SalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns thissalesperson information to the report generator 104, as shown by step3-23 in FIG. 23. The report generator 104 preferably builds the pageusing this salesperson information and sends the page to the printer, asshown by step 4-23 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Personalized Letter

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude a personalized letter 254 in the customized, printed proposalthat will be prepared for the customer.

The user interface 102 provides means for presenting a series ofpredetermined queries related to writing a letter 254 of interest todifferent potential customers who may purchase a product. The userinterface 102 also provides means for inputting individualized answersto the predetermined queries, the individualized answers comprising apersonalized letter 254 relating to product configurations that are ofparticular interest to the individual customer who is to receive theproposal.

The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170 ofthe selection device 101, as shown by step 24-1 in FIG. 24. The userfurther selects “Letter” 202 from the “Customer Information” menu 176.In response, the selection device 101 preferably sends a load message tothe LetterForm object 288, as shown by step 24-2 in FIG. 24. On receiptof the load message, the LetterForm object 288 displays itself in awindow within the main window of the selection device 101. Upon loadingitself, the LetterForm object 288 may obtain a pointer to a proposalobject 110, as shown by step 24-3 in FIG. 24. The LetterForm object 288then obtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to a LetterDataobject 138, as shown by step 24-4 in FIG. 24.

The LetterForm object 288 preferably presents a user interface 102 tothe user comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 24-5 in FIG. 24. This user interface 102 is ameans for inputting individualized answers to the predetermined queries,the individualized answers relating to writing a personalized letter 254regarding a product configuration that is of particular interest to theindividual customer who is to receive the proposal. The predeterminedquestions allow the user to fill in the text entry fields withpredetermined answers that correspond to the customer who is to receivethe proposal. The personalized letter 254 information gathered by theLetterForm object 288 may then be stored in the LetterData object 138which is attached to the current proposal object 110, as shown by step24-6 in FIG. 24.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes one or more pages comprising the personalized letter 254. Toinclude these personalized letter 254 pages, the user may select“Contents” 174 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101, asshown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a load message to the TableOfContentsForm object 284,as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. On receipt of the load message, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 may display itself within the main windowof the selection device 101. Upon loading itself, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer to the proposal object110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. The TableOfContentsForm object284 then obtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to theTableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-4 of FIG. 18. Theuser may then select the desired Personalized letter 254 page from alist of pages that are available for inclusion in the printed proposal,as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected pages may be stored asPageDescriptionRecord 314 in a TableOfContentsData object 130, as shownby step 18-6 of FIG. 18. These PageDescriptionRecord 314 include a fieldthat contains an identifier that indicates which page layout 120 may beused to format each personalized letter 254 page. The page layout 120typically determines the content and appearance of the final printedpage. The page layouts 120 may be stored in the report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the personalized letter, the user may select“Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101, as shownby step 25-1 of FIG. 25. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, as shownby step 25-2 of FIG. 25. The report generator 104 queries the activedatabase 103 for successive page description records that describe thepages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 25-3 of FIG. 25. Theactive database 103 typically processes the request by searching theTableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal. If theproposal is to include one or more pages comprising the personalizedletter 254, the active database 103 typically queries theTableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicable PageDescriptionRecord314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returns the relevantPageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. The ActiveDatabase 103 may then send the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 25-4 in FIG. 25. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layouts 120 may be used to formatthese particular letter 254 pages. The report generator 104 queries thereport database 106 for the applicable page layouts 120, as shown bystep 25-5 in FIG. 25. The report database 106 returns the relevant pagelayouts 120 to the report generator 104, as shown by step 25-6 in FIG.25.

Each page layout 120 contains formatting specifications that indicatewhere specific Personalized letter 254 information may appear on theprinted page. The report generator 104 typically reads each formatspecification to determine the data required at that location on thepage.

If the format specifications require data relating to the personalizedletter 254, the report generator 104 preferably queries the activedatabase 103, as shown by step 25-7 in FIG. 25. The active database 103queries the LetterData object 138, locates and retrieves the applicablepersonalized letter 254 information from the LetterData object 138, andreturns this personalized letter 254 information to the report generator104, as shown by step 25-8 in FIG. 25.

If the format specifications require static pictures or text segments,then the report generator 104 preferably retrieves the applicableinformation from the static database 105 object, as shown by step 25-9in FIG. 25. The static database 105 returns this information to thereport generator 104 as shown in step 25-10 in FIG. 25. The reportgenerator 104 typically repeats this process for each formatspecification on the page layout 120, which builds a personalized letter254 page that is then sent to the printer, as shown by step 25-11 inFIG. 25. In this fashion, the report generator 104 may print one or morecustomized and individualized letter 254 pages, along with thepredetermined text segments and pictures that correspond with thepersonalized letter 254 information related to a particular productconfiguration.

The personalized letter 254 page layouts 120 may specify that the name,address and telephone number or other identification data of thecustomer appear on the letter 254 pages. The customer information may beinitially entered via the CustomerForm object 286. (See FIG. 20). Thecustomer information may be stored in the CustomerData object 136attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 preferably reads format specifications from thepage layout 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 inFIG. 21. When the particular formatting specification in the page layout120 requires the customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 may obtain the specified customer informationfrom the CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposalobject 110. The active database 103 then returns this information to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The reportgenerator 104 typically builds the page using this information and sendsit to the printer, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The letter 254 page layouts 120 may specify that the name, address andtelephone number of the salesperson appear on the letter 254 pages. Thesalesperson information may be initially entered by the employer in theListOfSalesPersonsData object 158 and is stored in the individualsalesperson's SalesPersonData object 134 attached to the proposal. (SeeFIG. 22). The report generator 104 may read format specifications fromthe page layout 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 23-1in FIG. 23. When the particular format specifiers require thesalesperson's name, address and telephone number to be included on apage format, the report generator 104 preferably sends a request to theactive database 103 for the specified salesperson information, as shownby step 23-2 in FIG. 23. The active database 103 obtains thissalesperson information from the SalesPersonData object 134 in theproposal and returns this salesperson information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 23-3 in FIG. 23. The report generator104 preferably builds the page using this salesperson information andsends the page to the printer, as shown by step 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Product Description Pages

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude in the customized, printed proposal one or more productdescription pages each comprising predetermined pictures and textrelating to features, benefits and environments of interest to thecustomer.

The user interface 102 provides a means for presenting a series ofpredetermined queries related to features, benefits and environments ofparticular items of standard and optional equipment that may be includedin the product. This product description information may be of interestto different potential customers who may purchase the product. The userinterface 102 is also a means for selecting particular items of standardand optional equipment about which product description informationshould appear in the printed proposal.

The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170 ofthe selection device 101, as shown by step 26-1 in FIG. 26. The userfurther selects “Standard and Optional Equipment” from the “CustomerInformation” 176 menu. In response, the selection device 101 preferablysends a load message to the ProductForm object 290, as shown by step26-2 in FIG. 26. On receipt of the load message, the ProductForm object290 may display itself in a window within the main window of theselection device 101. Upon loading itself, the ProductForm object 290obtains a pointer to a proposal object 110, as shown by step 26-3 inFIG. 26. The ProductForm object 290 may then obtain a pointer from theproposal object 110 to a ProductData object 140, as shown by step 26-4in FIG. 26.

The ProductForm object 290 presents a user interface 102 to the usertypically comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 26-5 in FIG. 26. The predetermined questionsallow the user to specify those items of standard and optional equipmentabout which features and benefits information is of particular interestto the customer who is to receive the proposal. The product descriptioninformation gathered by the ProductForm object 290 may then be stored inthe ProductData object 140 which is attached to the current proposalobject 110, as shown by step 26-6 in FIG. 26.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes one or more product description pages. To include these productdescription pages, the user may select “Contents” 174 from the main menu170 of the selection device 101, as shown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. Inresponse, the selection device 101 preferably sends a load message tothe TableOfContentsForm object 284, as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. Onreceipt of the load message, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 maydisplay itself within the main window of the selection device 101. Uponloading itself, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer tothe proposal object 110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. TheTableOfContentsForm object 284 then obtains a pointer from the proposalobject 110 to the TableOfContentsData object 123, as shown by step 18-4of FIG. 18. The user may then select the desired product descriptionpages from a list of pages that are available for inclusion in theprinted proposal, as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected pagesmay be stored as PageDescriptionRecord 314 in a TableOfContentsDataobject 123, as shown by step 18-6 of FIG. 18. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 typically include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout 120 may be used to formateach product description page. The page layout 120 preferably determinesthe content and appearance of the final printed page. The page layouts120 are stored in the report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the product description pages, the user mayselect “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101,as shown by step 27-1 of FIG. 27. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, as shownby step 27-2 of FIG. 27. The report generator 104 may query the activedatabase 103 for successive page description records that describe thepages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 27-3 of FIG. 27. Theactive database 103 typically processes the request by searching theTableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal. If theproposal is to include one or more product description pages comprisingpredetermined pictures and text related to features, benefits andenvironments of interest to the customer, the active database 103preferably queries the TableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicablePageDescriptionRecord 314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returnsthe relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. Theactive database 103 may then send the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314to the report generator 104, as shown by step 27-4 in FIG. 27. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layouts 120 may be used to formatthese particular product description pages. The report generator 104queries the report database 106 for the applicable page layouts 120, asshown by step 27-5 in FIG. 27. The report database 106 returns therelevant page layouts 120 to the report generator 104, as shown by step27-6 in FIG. 27.

Each page layout 120 preferably contains formatting specifications thatindicate where specific product description information may appear onthe printed page. The report generator 104 reads each formatspecification to determine the data required at that location on thepage.

If the format specifications require data relating to the features,benefits and environments of interest to a customer, the reportgenerator 104 preferably queries the active database 103 for thestandard and optional equipment product description information, asshown by step 27-7 in FIG. 27. The active database 103 queries theProductData object 140, locates and retrieves the selected items ofstandard and optional equipment from the ProductData object 140, andreturns this information to the report generator 104, as shown by step27-8 in FIG. 27.

The report generator 104 typically retrieves the text and picturesrelating to features, benefits and environments for items of standardand optional equipment selected for inclusion in the printed proposalfrom the static database 105 object, as shown by step 27-9 in FIG. 27.The static database 105 may return this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 27-10 in FIG. 27. The report generator104 preferably repeats this process for each format specification on thepage layout 120, which builds a product description page that is thensent to the printer, as shown by step 27-11 in FIG. 27. In this fashion,the Report Generator 104 may print one or more customized andindividualized product description pages. The product description pagelayout 120 may specify that the name, address and telephone number orother identification data of the customer appear on the productdescription pages. The customer information may be initially entered viathe CustomerForm object 286. (See FIG. 20). The customer information maybe stored in the CustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 reads format specifications from the pagelayout 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 in FIG.21. When the particular formatting specification in the page layout 120requires the customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 may obtain the specified customer informationfrom the CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposalobject 110. The active database 103 then returns this information to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The reportgenerator 104 typically builds the page using this information and sendsit to the printer, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The product description page layout 120 may specify that the name,address and telephone number of the salesperson appear on the productdescription pages. The salesperson information may be initially enteredby the employer, for example, in the ListOfSalesPersonsData object 158and may be stored in the individual salesperson's SalesPersonData object134 attached to the proposal. (See FIG. 22). The report generator 104reads format specifications from the page layout 120 via the reportdatabase 106, as shown by step 23-1 in FIG. 23. When the particularformat specifiers require the salesperson's name, address and telephonenumber to be included on a page format, the report generator 104preferably sends a request to the active database 103 for the specifiedsalesperson information, as shown by step 23-2 in FIG. 23. The activedatabase 103 obtains this salesperson information from theSalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns this salespersoninformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 23-3 in FIG.23. The report generator 104 typically builds the page using thissalesperson information and sends the page to the printer, as shown bystep 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Product Specification Pages

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude in the customized, printed proposal one or more individualizedpages comprising the product specification which is of particularinterest to the customer who is to receive the proposal. The userinterface 102 provides a means for presenting a series of predeterminedqueries related to the particular items of standard and optionalequipment that may be included in the product specification ofparticular interest to a customer. The user interface 102 also providesa means for selecting particular items of standard and optionalequipment to be included in the product specification of a particularproduct.

The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170 ofthe selection device 101, as shown by step 28-1 in FIG. 28. The user mayfurther select “Standard and Optional Equipment” from the “CustomerInformation” 176 menu. In response, the selection device 101 preferablysends a load message to the ProductForm object 290, as shown by step28-2 in FIG. 28. On receipt of the load message, the ProductForm object290 may display itself in a window within the main window of theselection device 101. Upon loading, itself, the ProductForm object 290obtains a pointer to a proposal object 110, as shown by step 28-3 inFIG. 28. The ProductForm object 290 then obtains a pointer from theproposal object 110 to a ProductData object 140, as shown by step 28-4in FIG. 28.

The ProductForm object 290 presents a user interface 102 to the usertypically comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 28-5 in FIG. 28, The predetermined questionsallow the user to specify those items of standard and optional equipmentto be included in the product specification of particular interest tothe customer who is to receive the proposal. The product specificationgathered by the ProductForm object 290 may then be stored in theProductData object 140 which is attached to the current proposal object110, as shown by step 28-6 in FIG. 28.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes one or more product specification pages. To include theseproduct specification pages, the user may select “Contents” 174 from themain menu 170 of the selection device 101, as shown by step 18-1 of FIG.18. In response, the selection device 1001 preferably sends a loadmessage to the TableOfContentsForm object 284, as shown by step 18-2 ofFIG. 18. On receipt of the load message, the TableOfContentsForm object284 may display itself within the main window of the selection device101. Upon loading itself, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains apointer to the proposal object 110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18.The TableOfContentsForm object 284 then obtains a pointer from theproposal object 110 to the TableOfContentsData object 130, as shown bystep 18-4 of FIG. 18. The user may then select the desired productspecification pages from a list of pages that are available forinclusion in the printed proposal, as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. Theselected pages may be stored as PageDescriptionRecord 314 in aTableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-6 of FIG. 18. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 typically include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout 120 may be used to formateach product specification page. The page layout 120 preferablydetermines the content and appearance of the final printed page. Thepage layout 120 may be stored in the report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the product specification pages, the usermay select “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device101, as shown by step 29-1 of FIG. 29. In response, the selection device101 preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, asshown by step 29-2 of FIG. 29. The report generator 104 may query theActive Database 103 for successive page description records thatdescribe the pages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 29-3 ofFIG. 29. The active database 103 preferably processes the request bysearching the TableOfContentsData object 130 located in the currentproposal. If the proposal is to include one or more productspecification pages, the active database 103 queries theTableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicable PageDescriptionRecord314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returns the relevantPageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. The activedatabase 103 then sends the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 29-4 in FIG. 29. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout 120 may be used to formatthese particular product specification pages. The report generator 104queries the report database 106 for the applicable page layout 120, asshown by step 29-5 in FIG. 29. The report database 106 returns therelevant page layout 120 to the report generator 104, as shown by step29-6 in FIG. 29.

Each page layout 120 preferably contains formatting specifications thatindicate where specific product specification information may appear onthe printed page. The report generator 104 reads each formatspecification to determine the data required at that location on thepage.

If the format specifications require data relating to the productspecification of interest to a customer, the report generator 104queries the active database 103 for the product specificationinformation, as shown by step 29-7 in FIG. 29. The active database 103queries the ProductData object 140, locates and retrieves the productspecification information from the ProductData object 140, and returnsthis information to the report generator 104, as shown by step 29-8 inFIG. 29.

The product specification information stored in the active database 103may be linked to additional product specification information stored inthe static database 105.

The additional product specification information may include weights andprices of the individual items of standard and optional equipmentincluded in the product of interest to the customer.

The report generator 104 retrieves the additional product specificationinformation for items of standard and optional equipment selected forinclusion in the printed proposal from the static database 105, as shownby step 29-9 in FIG. 29. The static database 105 may return thisinformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 29-10 in FIG.29. The report generator 104 preferably repeats this process for eachformat specification on the page layout 120, which builds a productspecification page that is then sent to the printer, as shown by step29-11 in FIG. 29. In this fashion, the report generator 104 may printone or more customized and individualized product specification pages.

The product specification page layout 120 may specify that the name,address and telephone number or other identification data of thecustomer appear on the product specification pages. The customerinformation may be initially entered via the CustomerForm object 286.(See FIG. 20). The Customer information may be stored in theCustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 may read format specifications from the pagelayout 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 in FIG.21. When the particular formatting specification in the page layout 120requires the customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposal object.The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 typically builds the page using this information and sends it to theprinter, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The product specification page layout 120 may specify that the name,address and telephone number of the salesperson appear on the productspecification pages. The salesperson information may be initiallyentered by the employer, for example, in the ListOfSalesPersonsDataobject 158 and may be stored in the individual salesperson'sSalesPersonData object 134 attached to the proposal. (See FIG. 22). Thereport generator 104 reads format specifications from the page layout120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 23-1 in FIG. 23. Whenthe particular format specifiers require the salesperson's name, addressand telephone number to be included on a page format, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified salesperson information, as shown by step 23-2 in FIG. 23.The active database 103 obtains this salesperson information from theSalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns this salespersoninformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 23-3 in FIG.23. The report generator 104 typically builds the page using thissalesperson information and sends the page to the printer, as shown bystep 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Performance Specification Pages

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude in the customized, printed proposal one or more individualizedpages comprising the performance specifications that are of particularinterest to the customer who is to receive the proposal.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes one or more performance specification pages 240. To includethese performance specification pages 240, the user may select“Contents” 174 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101, asshown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a load message to the TableOfContentsForm object 284,as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. On receipt of the load message, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 may display itself within the main windowof the selection device 101. Upon loading itself, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer to the proposal object110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. The TableOfContentsForm object284 then obtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to theTableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-4 of FIG. 18. Theuser then selects the desired performance specification pages 240 from alist of pages that are available for inclusion in the printed proposal,as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected pages are stored asPageDescriptionRecord 314 in a TableOfContentsData object 130, as shownby step 18-6 of FIG. 18. These PageDescriptionRecord 314 include a fieldthat contains an identifier that indicates which page layout 120 may beused to format each performance specification page 240. The page layout120 preferably determines the content and appearance of the finalprinted page. The page layout 120 may be stored in the report database106.

To initiate the printing of the performance specification pages 240, theuser may select “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selectiondevice 101, as shown by step 30-1 of FIG. 30. In response, the selectiondevice 101 preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104,as shown by step 30-2 of FIG. 30. The report generator 104 queries theactive database 103, for successive page description records thatdescribe the pages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 30-3 ofFIG. 30. The active database 103 processes the request by searching theTableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal. If theproposal is to include one or more performance specification pages Z40,the active database 103 queries the TableOfContentsData object 130 forthe applicable PageDescriptionRecord 314. The TableOfContentsData object130 returns the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to the activedatabase 103. The active database 103 then sends the relevantPageDescriptionRecord 314 to the report generator 104, as shown by step30-4 in FIG. 30. These PageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a fieldthat contains an identifier that indicates which page layout 120 may beused to format these particular performance specification pages 240. Thereport generator 104 queries the report database 106 for the applicablepage layout 120, as shown by step 30-5 in FIG. 30. The report database106 returns the relevant page layout 120 to the report generator 104, asshown by step 30-6 in FIG. 30.

Each page layout 120 typically contains formatting specifications thatindicate where specific performance specification information may appearon the printed page. The report generator 104 may read each formatspecification to determine the data required at that location on thepage.

If the format specifications require data relating to the performancespecification of interest to a customer, the report generator 104queries the active database 103 for the performance specificationinformation, as shown by step 30-7 in FIG. 30. The active database 103will preferably handle the process of calculating the desiredperformance specification information based on the product specificationstored within itself and additional performance information linked tothis product information 238 and stored in the static database 105. Theactive database 103 may return this information to the report generator104, as shown by step 30-8 in FIG. 30.

If the format specifications require static pictures or text segments,then the report generator 104 typically retrieves the applicableinformation from the static database 105 object, as shown by step 30-9in FIG. 30. The report generator 104 may repeat this process for eachformat specification on the page layout, which builds a performancespecification page 240 that is then sent to the printer, as shown bystep 30-11 in FIG. 30. In this fashion, the report generator 104 mayprint one or more customized and individualized performancespecification pages 240.

The performance specification page layout 120 may specify that the name,address and telephone number or other identification data of thecustomer appear on the performance specification pages 24. The customerinformation may be initially entered via the CustomerForm object 286.(See FIG. 20). The customer information may be stored in theCustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 typically reads format specifications from thepage layout 120 via the report data base 106, as shown by step 21-1 inFIG. 21. When the particular formatting specification in the page layout120 requires the customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe customer data object 136 stored within the current proposal object110. The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 may then build the page using this information and sends it to theprinter, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The performance specification page layout 120 may specify that the name,address and telephone number of the salesperson appear on theperformance specification pages 240. The salesperson information may beinitially entered by the employer in the ListOfSalesPersonsData object158 and is stored in the individual salesperson's SalesPersonData object134 attached to the proposal. (See FIG. 22). The report generator 104reads format specifications from the page layout via the report database106, as shown by step 23-1 in FIG. 23. When the particular formatspecifiers require the salesperson's name, address and telephone numberto be included on a page format, the report generator 104 preferablysends a request to the active database 103 for the specified salespersoninformation, as shown by step 23-2 in FIG. 23. The active database 103obtains this salesperson information from the SalesPersonData object 134in the proposal and returns this salesperson information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 23-3 in FIG. 23. The report generator104 typically builds the page using this salesperson information andsends the page to the printer, as shown by step 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Trade-in Pages

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the customer may want totrade in a product, in which case, the user will typically want toinclude individualized trade-in product information pages 242 in thecustomized, printed proposal that will be prepared for the customer.

The user interface 102 provides means for presenting a series ofpredetermined queries related to the description and appraised value ofa trade-in product to be traded in by the individual customer who is toreceive the proposal. The user interface 102 also provides means forinputting individualized answers to the predetermined queries, theindividualized answers relating to the description and appraised valueof a trade-in product to be traded in by the individual customer who isto receive the proposal.

The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170 ofthe selection device 101, as shown by step 31-1 in FIG. 31. The userfurther selects “Trade” 206 from the customer information menu. Inresponse, the selection device 101 preferably sends a load message tothe TradeForm object 292, as shown by step 31-2 in FIG. 31. On receiptof the load message, the TradeForm object 292 may display itself in awindow within the main window of the selection device 101. Upon loadingitself, the TradeForm object 292 obtains a pointer to a proposal object110, as shown by step 31-3 in FIG. 31. The TradeForm object 292 thenobtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to a TradeData object142, as shown by step 31-4 in FIG. 31.

The TradeForm object 292 presents a user interface 102 to the usertypically comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 31-5 in FIG. 31. This user interface 102allows the user to enter information regarding a trade-in product to betraded in by the individual customer who is to receive the proposal. Theuser may fill in various data fields with information comprising adescription and appraised value for the trade-in product. Thepredetermined questions allow the user to select one of a list ofpredetermined answers that correspond to the trade-in product of thecustomer who is to receive the proposal. The trade-in informationgathered by the TradeForm object 292 may be stored in the TradeDataobject 142 which is attached to the current proposal object 110, asshown by step 31-6 in FIG. 31.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes one or more pages comprising the description and appraisedvalue of a trade-in product. To include these trade-in pages, the usermay select “Contents” 174 from the main menu 170 of the selectionservice 101, as shown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. In response, theselection device 101 preferably sends a load message to theTableOfContentsForm object 284, as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. Onreceipt of the load message, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 maydisplay itself within the main window of the selection device 101. Uponloading itself, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer tothe proposal object 110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. TheTableOfContentsForm object 284 then obtains a pointer from the proposalobject 110 to the TableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-4of FIG. 18. The user may then select the desired trade-in pages from alist of pages that are available for inclusion in the printed proposal,as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected pages may be stored asPageDescriptionRecord 314 in TableOfContentsData object 130, as shown bystep 18-6 of FIG. 18. These PageDescriptionRecord 314 include a fieldthat contains an identifier that indicates which page layout 120 may beused to format each trade-in page 242. The page layout 120 preferablydetermines the content and appearance of the final printed page. Thepage layouts 120 may be stored in the report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the trade-in pages 242 comprising thedescription and appraised value of die trade-in product, the user mayselect “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101,as shown by step 32-1 of FIG. 32. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, as shownby step 32-2 of FIG. 32. The report generator 104 queries the activedatabase 103 for successive page description records that describe thepages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 32-3 of FIG. 32. Theactive database 103 typically processes the request by searching theTableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal. If theproposal is to include one or more pages comprising the description andappraised value of a trade-in product, the active database 103 queriesthe TableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicablePageDescriptionRecord 314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returnsthe relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. Theactive database 103 then sends the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 tothe report generator 104, as shown by step 32-4 in FIG. 32. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout may be used to format theseparticular trade-in pages 242. The report generator 104 queries thereport database 106 for the applicable page layout, as shown by step32-5 in FIG. 32. The report database 106 returns the relevant pagelayout to the report generator 104, as shown by step 32-6 in FIG. 32.

Each page layout may contain formatting specifications that indicatewhere specific information regarding the description and appraised valueof the trade-in product may appear on the printed page. The reportgenerator 104 may read each format specification to determine the datarequired at that location on the page.

If the format specifications require data relating to the descriptionand appraised value of the trade-in product, the report generator 104preferably queries the active database 103, as shown by step 32-7 inFIG. 32. The active database 103 queries the TradeData object 142,locates and retrieves the applicable description and appraised valueinformation from the TradeData object 142, and returns this trade-ininformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 32-8 in FIG.32.

If the format specifications require static pictures or text segments,then the report generator 104 may retrieve the applicable informationfrom the static database 105 object, as shown by step 32-9 in FIG. 32.The static database 105 may return this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 32-10 in FIG. 32. The report generator104 typically repeats this process for each format specification on thepage layout, which builds a trade-in page 242 that may then be sent tothe printer, as shown by step 32-11 in FIG. 32.

In this fashion, the report generator 104 may print one or morecustomized and individualized trade-in product pages 242 which comprisethe description and appraised value of a trade-in product, along withthe predetermined text segments and pictures that correspond with thisspecified trade-in product.

The trade-in page layout 120 may specify that the name, address andtelephone number or other identification data of the customer appear onthe trade-in pages. The customer information may be initially enteredvia the CustomerForm object 286. (See FIG. 20). The customer informationmay be stored in the CustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 may read format specifications from the pagelayout via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 in FIG. 21.When the particular formatting specification in the page layout requiresthe customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposal object110. The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 typically builds the page using this information and sends it to theprinter, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The trade-in page layout may specify that the name, address andtelephone number of the salesperson appear on the trade-in pages. Thesalesperson information may be initially entered by the employer in theListOfSalesPersonsData object 158 and may be stored in the individualsalesperson's SalesPersonData object 134 attached to the proposal. (SeeFIG. 22). The report generator 104 may read format specifications fromthe page layout via the report database 106, as shown by step 23-1 inFIG. 23. When the particular format specifiers require the salesperson'sname, address and telephone number to be included on a page format, thereport generator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database103 for the specified salesperson information, as shown by step 23-2 inFIG. 23. The active database 103 obtains this salesperson informationfrom the SalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns thissalesperson information to the report generator 104, as shown by step23-3 in FIG. 23. The report generator 104 typically builds the pageusing this salesperson information and sends the page to the printer, asshown by step 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Product Price Quotation Pages

The user interface 102 provides means for presenting a series ofpredetermined queries related to the product price quotation for aproduct of interest to a potential customer. The user interface 102 alsoprovides means for inputting individualized answers to the predeterminedqueries, the individualized answers relating to the product pricequotation of a particular product configuration that is of particularinterest to the individual customer who is to receive the proposal.

The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170 ofthe selection device 101, as shown by step 33-1 in FIG. 33. The user mayfurther select “Quotation” from the “Customer Information” 176 menu. Inresponse, the selection device 101 preferably sends a load message tothe QuotationForm object 294, as shown by step 33-2 in FIG. 33. Onreceipt of the load message, the QuotationForm object 294 may displayitself in a window within the main window of the selection device 101.

Upon loading itself, the QuotationForm object 294 obtains a pointer to aproposal object 110, as shown by step 33-3 in FIG. 33. The QuotationFormobject 294 then obtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to aQuotationData object 144, as shown by step 33-4 in FIG. 33.

The QuotationForm object 294 presents a user interface 102 to the usertypically comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 33-5 in FIG. 33. The user interface 102provides means for inputting individualized answers to the predeterminedqueries, the individualized answers relating to the price quotation fora product configuration that is of particular interest to the individualcustomer who is to receive the proposal. The predetermined questions mayallow the user to modify the price quotation for to a productconfiguration that is of particular interest to the customer who is toreceive the proposal. The price quotation information gathered by theQuotationForm object 294 may then be stored in the QuotationData object144 which is attached to the current proposal object 110, as shown bystep 33-6 in FIG. 33. The user may wish to compare the product pricequotations of different product configurations. This comparison may beaccomplished by repeating the process described above and in FIG. 33 tocreate multiple QuotationData objects 144.

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude in the proposal one or more individualized pages comprising theproduct price quotation which is of particular interest to the customerwho is to receive the proposal. To include the product price quotationpages, the user may select “Contents” 174 from the main menu 170 of theselection device 101, as shown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. In response, theselection device 101 preferably sends a load message to theTableOfContentsForm object 284, as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. Onreceipt of the load message, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 maydisplay itself within the main window of the selection device 101. Uponloading itself, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer tothe proposal object 110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. TheTableOfContentsForm object 284 then obtains a pointer from the proposalobject 110 to the TableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-4of FIG. 18. The user may then select the desired price quotation pagesfrom a list of pages that are available for inclusion in the printedproposal, as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected pages may bestored as PageDescriptionRecord 314 in a TableOfContentsData object 130,as shown by step 18-6 of FIG. 18. These PageDescriptionRecord 314typically include a field that contains an identifier that indicateswhich page layout may be used to format each price quotation page. Thepage layout may determine the content and appearance of the finalprinted page. The page layout may be stored in the report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the product price quotation pages, the usermay select “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device101, as shown by step 34-1 of FIG. 34. In response, the selection device101 preferably sends a print request to the report generator 101, asshown by step 34-2 of FIG. 34. The report generator 104 queries theactive database 103 for successive page description records thatdescribe the pages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 34-3 ofFIG. 34. The active database 103 typically processes the request bysearching the TableOfContentsData object 130 located in the currentproposal. If the proposal is to include one or more product pricequotation pages, the active database 103 queries the TableOfContentsDataobject 130 for the applicable PageDescriptionRecord 314. TheTableOfContentsData object 130 returns the relevantPageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. The activedatabase 103 then sends the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 34-4 in FIG. 34. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout may be used to format theseparticular product price quotation pages. The report generator 104queries the report database 106 for the applicable page layout, as shownby step 34-5 in FIG. 34. The report database 106 returns the relevantpage layout to the report generator 104, as shown by step 34-6 in FIG.34.

Each page layout preferably contains formatting specifications thatindicate where specific product price quotation information may appearon the printed page. The report generator 104 may read each formatspecification to determine the data required at that location on thepage.

If the format specifications require data relating to the product pricequotation of interest to a customer, the report generator 104 queriesthe active database 103 for the product price quotation information, asshown by step 34-7 in FIG. 34. The active database 103 will preferablyhandle the process of calculating the desired product price quotationbased on the product specification stored within itself and onadditional price information stored in the static database 105 andlinked to this product information 238. The active database 103 mayreturn this information to the report generator 104, as shown by step34-8 in FIG. 34.

If the format specifications require static pictures or text segments,then the report generator 104 preferably retrieves the applicableinformation from the static database 105 object, as shown by step 34-9in FIG. 34. The static database 105 may return this information to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 34-10 in FIG. 34. The reportgenerator 104 typically repeats this process for each formatspecification on the page layout, which builds a product price quotationpage that is then sent to the printer, as shown by step 34-11 in FIG.34. In this fashion, the report generator 104 may print one or morecustomized and individualized product price quotation pages. The productprice quotation page layout may specify that the name, address andtelephone number or other identification data of the customer appear onthe product price quotation pages. The customer information wasinitially entered via the CustomerForm object 286. (See FIG. 20). Thecustomer information may be stored in the CustomerData object 136attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 reads format specifications from the pagelayout via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 in FIG. 21.When the particular formatting specification in the page layout requiresthe customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposal object.The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 typically builds the page using this information and sends it to theprinter, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The product price quotation page layout may specify that the name,address and telephone number of the salesperson appear on the productprice quotation pages. The salesperson information may be initiallyentered by the employer in the ListOfSalesPersonsData object 158 and isstored in the individual salesperson's SalesPersonData object 134attached to the proposal. (See FIG. 22). The report generator 104 readsformat specifications from the product price quotation page layout viathe report database 106, as shown by step 23-1 in FIG. 23. When theparticular format specifiers require the salesperson's name, address andtelephone number to be included on a page format, the report generator104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 for thespecified salesperson information, as shown by step 23-2 in FIG. 23. Theactive database 103 obtains this salesperson information from theSalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns this salespersoninformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 23-3 in FIG.23. The report generator 104 typically builds the page using thissalesperson information and sends the page to the printer, as shown bystep 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Finance Pages

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude one or more individualized pages which comprise the financinginformation to be included in the customized, printed proposal that willbe prepared for the customer. The user interface 102 provides means forpresenting a series of predetermined queries related to financing aproduct of interest to different potential customers who may purchasethe product. The user interface 102 also provides means for inputtingindividualized answers to the predetermined queries, the individualizedanswers relating to the finance cost of product configurations that areof particular interest to the individual customer who is to receive theproposal.

The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170 ofthe selection device 101, as shown by step 35-1 in FIG. 5. The user mayfurther select “Payment Schedule & Terms” from the “CustomerInformation” 176 menu. In response, the selection device 101 preferablysends a load message to the FinanceForm object 296, as shown by step35-2 in FIG. 35. On receipt of the load message, the FinanceForm object296 may display itself in a window within the main window of theselection device 101. Upon displaying itself, the FinanceForm object 296obtains a pointer to a proposal object 110, as shown by step 35-3 inFIG. 35. The FinanceForm object 296 then obtains a pointer from theproposal object 110 to a FinanceData object 146, as shown by step 35-4in FIG. 35.

The FinanceForm object 296 presents a user interface 102 to the usertypically comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 35-5 in FIG. 35. This user interface 102provides means for inputting individualized answers to the predeterminedqueries, the individualized answers relating to financing a productconfiguration that is of particular interest to the individual customerwho is to receive the proposal. The predetermined questions allow theuser to select one of a list of predetermined answers that correspond tothe financing of a product configuration that is of particular interestto the customer who is to receive the proposal. The finance costinformation gathered by the FinanceForm object 296 is then stored in theFinanceData object 146 which is attached to the current proposal object110, as shown by step 35-6 in FIG. 35. The user may wish to compare thefinance cost of different finance plans. This comparison may beaccomplished by repeating the process described above and in FIG. 35 tocreate multiple FinanceData objects 146.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes one or more pages comprising the financing information. Toinclude these finance pages, the user may select “Contents” 174 from themain menu 170 of the selection device 101, as shown by step 18-1 of FIG.18. In response, the selection device 101 preferably sends a loadmessage to the TableOfContentsForm object 284, as shown by step 18-2 ofFIG. 18. On receipt of the load message, the TableOfContentsForm object284 may display itself within the main window of the selection device101. Upon loading itself, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains apointer to the proposal object 110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18.The TableOfContentsForm object 284 then obtains a pointer from theproposal object 110 to the TableOfContentsData object 130, as shown bystep 18-4 of FIG. 18. The user may then select the desired finance pagesfrom a list of pages that are available for inclusion in the printedproposal, as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 8. The selected pages may bestored as PageDescriptionRecord 314 in a TableOfContentsData object 130,as shown by step 18-6 of FIG. 18. These PageDescriptionRecord 314include a field that contains an identifier that indicates which pagelayout may be used to format each finance page. The page layout maydetermine the content and appearance of the final printed page. The pagelayout may be stored in the report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the Finance pages, the user may select“Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101, as shownby step 36-1 of FIG. 36. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, as shownby step 36-2 of FIG. 36. The report generator 104 queries the activedatabase 103 for successive page description records that describe thepages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 36-3 of FIG. 36. Theactive database 103 typically processes the request by searching theTableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal. If theproposal is to include one or more pages comprising the financinginformation of a product configuration, the active database 103 mayquery the TableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicablePageDescriptionRecord 314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returnsthe relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. Theactive database 103 then sends the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 tothe report generator 104, as shown by step 36-4 in FIG. 36. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout may be used to format theseparticular finance pages. The report generator 104 queries the reportdatabase 106 for the applicable page layouts 120, as shown by step 36-5in FIG. 36. The report database 106 returns the relevant page layouts120 to the report generator 104, as shown by step 36-6 in FIG. 36. Eachpage layout preferably contains formatting specifications that indicatewhere specific finance information may appear on the printed page. Thereport generator 104 reads each format specification to determine thedata required at that location on the page.

If the format specifications require data relating to the financing of aproduct configuration, the report generator 104 queries the activedatabase 103, as shown by step 36-7 in FIG. 36. The active database 103queries the FinanceData object 146 locates and retrieves the applicablefinancing information from the FinanceData object 146, and returns thisfinancing information to the report generator 104, as shown by step 36-8in FIG. 36. If the format specifications require static pictures or textsegments, then the report generator 104 preferably retrieves theapplicable information from the static database 105 object, as shown bystep 36-9 in FIG. 36. The static database 105 will typically return thisinformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 36-10 in FIG.36. The report generator 104 preferably repeats this process for eachformat specification on the page layout, which builds a finance pagethat is then sent to the printer, as shown by step 36-11 in FIG. 36.

In this fashion, the report generator 104 may print one or morecustomized and individualized finance pages, along with thepredetermined text segments and pictures that correspond with thefinancing information related to a particular product configuration.

The finance page layouts 120 may specify that the name, address andtelephone number or other identification data of the customer appear onthe finance pages. The customer information may be initially entered viathe CustomerForm object 286. (See FIG. 20). The customer information maybe stored in the CustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 reads format specifications from the pagelayout via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 in FIG. 21.When the particular formatting specification in the page layout requiresthe customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposal object110. The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 typically builds the page using this information and sends it to theprinter, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The finance page layouts 120 may specify that the name, address andtelephone number of the salesperson appear on the finance pages. Thesalesperson information may be initially entered by the employer in theListOfSalesPersonsData object 158 and may be stored in the individualsalesperson's SalesPersonData object 134 attached to the proposal. (SeeFIG. 22). The report generator 104 reads format specifications from thepage layout via the report database 106, as shown by step 23-1 in FIG.23. When the particular format specifiers require the salesperson'sname, address and telephone number to be included on a page format, thereport generator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database103 for the specified salesperson information, as shown by step 23-2 inFIG. 23. The active database 103 obtains this salesperson informationfrom the SalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns thissalesperson information to the report generator 104, as shown by step23-3 in FIG. 23. The report generator 104 typically builds the pageusing this salesperson information and sends the page to the printer, asshown by step 23-4 ion FIG. 23.

Proposal: Life Cycle Pages

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude one or more individualized Economics pages 248 which comprisethe life cycle cost information to be included in the customized,printed proposal that will be prepared for the customer.

The user interface 102 provides means for presenting a series ofpredetermined queries related to the life cycle cost of productconfigurations that are of interest to different potential customers whomay purchase the product. The user interface 102 also provides means forinputting individualized answers to the predetermined queries, theindividualized answers relating to the life cycle cost of productconfigurations that are of particular interest to the individualcustomer who is to receive the proposal.

The user may select “Customer Information” 176 from the main menu 170 ofthe selection device 101, as shown by step 37-1 in FIG. 37. The user mayfurther select “Economics” 212 from the “Customer Information” 176 menu.In response, the selection device 101 preferably sends a load message tothe LifeCycleForm object 298, as shown by step 37-2 in FIG. 37. Onreceipt of the load message, the LifeCycleForm object 298 may displayitself in a window within the main window of the selection device 101.

Upon loading itself, the LifeCycleForm object 298 obtains a pointer to aproposal object 110, as shown by step 37-3 in FIG. 37. The LifeCycleFormobject 298 then obtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to aLifeCycleData object 148, as shown by step 37-4 in FIG. 37.

The LifeCycleForm object 298 presents a user interface 102 to the usertypically comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 37-5 in FIG. 37. This user interface 102provides means for inputting individualized answers to the predeterminedqueries, the individualized answers relating to the life cycle cost of aproduct configuration that is of particular interest to the individualcustomer who is to receive the proposal. The predetermined questionsallow the user to select one of a list of predetermined answers thatcorrespond to the life cycle cost relating to a product configurationthat is of particular interest to the customer who is to receive theproposal. The life cycle cost information gathered by the LifeCycleFormobject 298 is then stored in the LifeCycleData object 148 which isattached to the current proposal object 110, as shown by step 37-6 inFIG. 37. The user may wish to compare the life cycle costs of differentproduct configurations. This comparison may be accomplished by repeatingthe process described above and in FIG. 37 to create multipleLifeCycleData objects 148.

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes one or more Economics pages 248 comprising the life cycle cost.To include these life cycle Economics pages 248, the user may select“Contents” 174 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101, asshown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a load message to the TableOfContentsForm object 284,as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. On receipt of the load message, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 may display itself within the main windowof the selection device 101. Upon loading itself, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer to the proposal object110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. The TableOfContentsForm object284 then obtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to theTableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-4 of FIG. 18. Theuser then selects the desired life cycle pages, Economics 248, from alist of pages that are available for inclusion in the printed proposal,as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected pages may be stored asPageDescriptionRecord 314 in a TableOfContentsData object 130, as shownby step 18-6 of FIG. 18. These PageDescriptionRecord 314 typicallyinclude a field that contains an identifier that indicates which pagelayout may be used to format each Economics 248 page. The page layoutmay determine the content and appearance of the final printed page. Thepage layouts 120 may be stored in the report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the life cycle economics pages 248, the usermay select “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device101, as shown by step 38-1 of FIG. 38. In response, the selection device1011 preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, asshown by step 38-2 of FIG. 38. The report generator 104 queries theactive database 103 for successive page description records thatdescribe the pages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 38-3 ofFIG. 38. The active database 103 typically processes the request bysearching the TableOfContentsData object 130 located in the currentproposal. If the proposal is to include one or more pages comprising thelife cycle cost of a product configuration, the active database 103queries the TableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicablePageDescriptionRecord 314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returnsthe relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. Theactive database 103 then sends the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 tothe report generator 104, as shown by step 38-4 in FIG. 38. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layouts 120 may be used to formatthese particular life cycle pages. The report generator 104 queries thereport database 106 for the applicable page layouts 120, as shown bystep 38-5 in FIG. 38. The report database 106 returns the relevant pagelayouts 120 to the report generator 104, as shown by step 38-6 in FIG.38.

Each page layout preferably contains formatting specifications thatindicate where specific life cycle information may appear on the printedpage. The report generator 104 may read each format specification todetermine the data required at that location on the page.

If the format specifications require data relating to the life cycle ofa product configuration, the report generator 104 preferably queries theactive database 103, as shown by step 38-1 in FIG. 38. The activedatabase 103 queries the LifeCycleData object 148 locates and retrievesthe applicable life cycle information from the LifeCycleData object 148,and returns this life cycle information to the report generator 104, asshown by step 38-8 in FIG. 38.

If the format specifications require static pictures or text segments,then the report generator 104 preferably retrieves the applicableinformation from the static database 105 object, as shown by step 38-9in FIG. 38. The static database 105 may return this information to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 38-10 in FIG. 38. The reportgenerator 104 typically repeats this process for each formatspecification on the page layout, which builds a life cycle page that isthen sent to the printer, as shown by step 38-11 in FIG. 38.

In this fashion, the report generator 104 may print one or morecustomized and individualized life cycle pages, along with thepredetermined text segments and pictures that correspond with thisspecified life cycle cost of a product configuration.

The life cycle page layouts 120 may specify that the name, address andtelephone number or other identification data of the customer appear onthe life cycle pages. The customer information may be initially enteredvia the CustomerForm object 286. (See FIG. 20). The customer informationmay be stored in the CustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.The report generator 104 reads format specifications from the pagelayouts 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 in FIG.21. When the particular formatting specification in the page layoutrequires the customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposal object110. The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 typically builds the page using this information and sends it to theprinter, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The life cycle page layouts 120 may specify that the name, address andtelephone number of the salesperson appear on the life cycle pages. Thesalesperson information may be initially entered by the employer in theListOfSalesPersonsData object 158 and may be stored in the individualsalesperson's SalesPersonData object 134 attached to the proposal. (SeeFIG. 22). The report generator 104 reads format specifications from thepage layout via the report database 106, as shown by step 23-1 in FIG.23. When the particular format specifiers require the salesperson'sname, address and telephone number to be included on a page format, thereport generator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database103 for the specified salesperson information, as shown by step 23-2 inFIG. 23. The active database 103 obtains this salesperson informationfrom the SalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns thissalesperson information to the report generator 104, as shown by step23-3 in FIG. 23. The report generator 104 typically builds the pageusing this salesperson information and sends the page to the printer, asshown by step 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Table of Contents Page

When the user begins a deal with a customer, the user may want toinclude in the proposal a Table of Contents 252 page as part of theproposal. To include the Table of Contents 252 page, the user may selectContents 174 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101, asshown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a load message to the TableOfContentsForm object 284,as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. On receipt of the load message, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 may display itself within the main windowof the selection device 101. Upon loading itself, theTableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer to the proposal object110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. The TableOfContentsForm object284 then obtains a pointer from the proposal object 110 to theTableOfContentsData object 139, as shown by step 18-4 of FIG. 18. Theuser may then select the “Table of Contents” page from a list of pagesthat are available for inclusion in the printed proposal, as shown bystep 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected page may be stored as aPageDescriptionRecord 314 in a TableOfContentsData object 130, as shownby step 18-6 of FIG. 18. In other words, the PageDescription record forthe “Table Of Contents” page is stored in the TableOfContentsData object130, as it is one of the pages to be printed in the proposal. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 typically include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout may be used to format eachprice quotation page. The page layout may determine the content andappearance of the final printed page. The page layout may be stored inthe report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the Table of Contents 252 page, the user mayselect “Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 101,as shown by step 39-1 of FIG. 39. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, as shownby step 39-2 of FIG. 39. The report generator 104 queries the activedatabase 103 for successive page description records that describe thepages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 39-3 of FIG. 39. Theactive database 103 processes the request by searching theTableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal. If theproposal is to include a Table of Contents 252 page, the active database103 queries the TableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicablePageDescriptionRecord 314. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returnsthe relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 to the active database 103. Theactive database 103 then sends the relevant PageDescriptionRecord 314 tothe report generator 104, as shown by step 39-4 in FIG. 39. ThesePageDescriptionRecord 314 may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout may be used to format theTable of Contents 252 page. The report generator 104 queries the reportdatabase 106 for the applicable page layouts 120, as shown by step 39-5in FIG. 39. The report database 106 returns the relevant page layouts120 to the report generator 104, as shown by step 39-6 in FIG. 39.

Each page layout preferably contains formatting specifications thatindicate where specific Table of Contents 252 information may appear onthe printed page. The report generator 104 reads each formatspecification to determine the data required at that location on thepage. If the format specifications require data relating to the Table ofContents 196 of the proposal, the report generator 104 queries theactive database 103 for the Table of Contents 196 information, as shownby step 39-7 in FIG. 39. The active database 103 preferably retrievesthe Table of Contents 196 information from the TableOfContentsDataobject 130 and return this information to the report generator 104, asshown by step 39-8 in FIG. 39.

If the format specifications require static pictures or text segments,then the report generator 104 preferably retrieves the applicableinformation from the static database 105 object, as shown by step 39-9in FIG. 39. The static database 105 may return this information to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 39-10 in FIG. 39. The reportgenerator 104 typically repeats this process for each formatspecification on the page layout 120, which builds a Table of Contents252 page that is then sent to the printer, as shown by step 39-11 inFIG. 39. In this fashion, the report generator 104 may print one or morecustomized and individualized Table of Contents 252 pages.

The Table of Content 252 page layouts 120 may specify that the name,address and telephone number or other identification data of thecustomer appear on the Table of Contents 252 pages. The customerinformation may be initially entered via the CustomerForm object 286.(See FIG. 20). The customer information may be stored in theCustomerData object 136 attached to the proposal.

The report generator 104 reads format specifications from the pagelayout 120 via the report database 106, as shown by step 21-1 in FIG.21. When the particular formatting specification in the page layout 120requires the customer's name, address, or telephone number or otheridentification data to be included on a printed page, the reportgenerator 104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 forthe specified customer information, as shown by step 21-2 in FIG. 21.The active database 103 obtains the specified customer information fromthe CustomerData object 136 stored within the current proposal object110. The active database 103 then returns this information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 21-3 in FIG. 21. The report generator104 typically builds the page using this information and sends it to theprinter, as shown by step 21-4 in FIG. 21.

The Table of Contents 252 page layouts may specify that the name,address and telephone number of the salesperson appear on the Table ofContents 252 pages. The salesperson information may be initially enteredby the employer in the ListOfSalesPersonsData object J58 and stored inthe individual salesperson's SalesPersonData object 134 attached to theproposal. (See FIG. 22). The report generator 104 reads formatspecifications from the Table of Contents 252 page layout 120 via thereport database 106, as shown by step 23-1 in FIG. 23. When theparticular format specifiers require the salesperson's name, address andtelephone number to be included on a page format, the report generator104 preferably sends a request to the active database 103 for thespecified salesperson information, as shown by step 23-2 in FIG. 23. Theactive database 103 obtains this salesperson information from theSalesPersonData object 134 in the proposal and returns this salespersoninformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 23-3 in FIG.23. The report generator 104 typically builds the page using thissalesperson information and sends the page to the printer, as shown bystep 23-4 in FIG. 23.

Proposal: Trademark

The system may also print a trademark identifying the product on atleast one of the pages of the customized printed proposal. If atrademark is to appear on a page, the page layout 120 for that page willpreferably contain a format specification that specifies the trademarkand its location on the page. The report generator 104 queries thereport database 106 for each page layout 120, as shown by step 40-1 inFIG. 40.

The report database 106 returns each page layout 120, as shown by step40-2 in FIG. 40. If the page layout 120 contains a format specificationrequiring a trademark picture, then the report generator 104 mayretrieve the trademark picture from the static database 105 object, asshown by step 40-3 in FIG. 40. The static database 105 may return thispicture to the report generator 104, as shown by step 40-4 in FIG. 40.The report generator 104 may include the trademark picture when itbuilds the page to be printed. The report generator 104 typically buildsthe page using this information and sends it to the printer, as shown bystep 40-5 in FIG. 40.

Proposal: Printing Language

The user interface 102 provides means for presenting a series ofpredetermined queries related to the language in which the userinterface 102 should be presented. In addition, the user interface 102provides means for presenting a series of predetermined queries relatedto the language in which the proposal should be printed. The userinterface 102 is also a means for inputting individualized answers tothe predetermined queries, the individualized answers relating to thelanguage of choice for the user interface 102 presentation and for theprinted proposal.

The user may select customized menu selection 177 from the main menu 170of the selection device 101, as shown by step 41-1 in FIG. 41. The usermay further select “International” from the customized menu selection177. In response, the selection device 101 preferably sends a loadmessage to the LanguageForm object 304, as shown by step 41-2 in FIG.41. On receipt of the load message, the LanguageForm object 304 maydisplay itself in a window within the main window of the selectiondevice 101.

Upon loading itself, the LanguageForm object 304 obtains a pointer to acustomized database 114, as shown by step 41-3 in FIG. 41. TheLanguageForm object 304 then obtains a pointer from the customizeddatabase 114 to a LanguageData object 160, as shown by step 41-4 in FIG.41.

The LanguageForm object 304 presents a user interface 102 to the usertypically comprising text entry fields and predetermined questions forthe user, as shown by step 41-5 in FIG. 41. This user interface 102provides means for inputting individualized answers to the predeterminedqueries, the individualized answers relating to the language forpresenting the user interface 102 and the language for printing theproposal. The language information gathered by the LanguageForm object304 may then be stored in the LanguageData object 160 which is attachedto the customized database 114, as shown by step 41-6 in FIG. 41.

The user interface 102 max further comprise means for displaying formsin anyone of a plurality of languages. Upon receiving a load message, aform may query the LanguageData object 160 in the customized database114 in the active database 103 to determine the language in which itshould display itself. The form may then display itself in the specifiedlanguage.

The system may also generate the printed proposal in anyone of aplurality of languages. Upon receiving a print message, the reportgenerator 104 may query the LanguageData object 160 in the customizeddatabase 114 in the active database 103 to determine the language inwhich it should print the proposal. The report generator 104 will thenpreferably query the static database 105 for pictures and text that arein the appropriate language. The report generator 104 typically buildseach page using pictures and text in the specified language and sends itto the printer.

Proposal: Signature Page

The user may decide to generate a customized, printed proposal thatincludes a Signature page as part of the proposal. To include thisSignature page, the user may select “Contents” 174 from the main menu170 of the selection device 101, as shown by step 18-1 of FIG. 18. Inresponse, the selection device 101 preferably sends a load message tothe TableOfContentsForm object 284, as shown by step 18-2 of FIG. 18. Onreceipt of the load message, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 maydisplay itself within the main window of the selection device 101. Uponloading itself, the TableOfContentsForm object 284 obtains a pointer tothe proposal object 110, as shown by step 18-3 of FIG. 18. TheTableOfContentsForm object 284 then obtains a pointer from the proposalobject 110 to the TableOfContentsData object 130, as shown by step 18-4of FIG. 18. The user may then select the desired Signature page from alist of pages that are available for inclusion in the printed proposal,as shown by step 18-5 of FIG. 18. The selected page may be stored as aPageDescription record in TableOfContentsData object 130, as shown bystep 18-6 of FIG. 18. This PageDescription record preferably includes afield that contains an identifier that indicates which page layout 120may be used to format the Signature page. The page layout 120 maydetermine the content and appearance of the final printed page. The pagelayouts 120 may be stored in the StaticData object, accessible throughthe report database 106.

To initiate the printing of the Signature page, the user may select“Print” 178 from the main menu 170 of the selection device 1001, asshown by step 42-1 of FIG. 42. In response, the selection device 101preferably sends a print request to the report generator 104, as shownby step 42-2 of FIG. 42. The report generator 104 queries the activedatabase 103 for successive page description records that describe thepages of the printed proposal, as shown by step 42-3 of FIG. 42. Theactive database 103 processes the request by searching theTableOfContentsData object 130 located in the current proposal.

If the proposal is to include a Signature page, the active database 103queries the TableOfContentsData object 130 for the applicablePageDescription record. The TableOfContentsData object 130 returns therelevant PageDescription record to the active database 103. The activedatabase 103 then sends the relevant PageDescription record to thereport generator 104, as shown by step 42-4 in FIG. 42.

This PageDescription record may include a field that contains anidentifier that indicates which page layout 120 may be used to formatthis particular Signature page. The report generator 104 queries thereport database 106 for the applicable page layout 120, as shown by step42-5 in FIG. 42. The report database 106 returns the relevant pagelayout 120 to the report generator 104, as shown by step 42-6 in FIG.42. The page layout 120 preferably contains formatting specificationsthat indicate where specific information may appear on the printed page.The report generator 104 reads each format specification to determinethe data required at that location on the page. The report generator 104typically repeats this process for each format specification in the pagelayout 120.

The Signature page layout 120 may specify that the customer's name,address, telephone number or other identification data is to appear onthe Signature page. If the format specification in the page layout 120requires the customer's name, address, telephone number or otheridentification data, the report generator 104 sends a request to theactive database 103 for the specified customer information, as shown bystep 42-7 in FIG. 42. The active database 103 obtains the specifiedcustomer information from the CustomerData object 136 stored within thecurrent proposal object 110. The active database 103 then returns thisinformation to the report generator 104, as shown by step 42-8 in FIG.42.

The Signature page layout 120 may specify that the name, address andtelephone number or other identification data of the salesperson is toappear on the Signature page. If the format specification specifies thesalesperson's name, address and telephone number, or otheridentification data, the report generator 104 sends a request to theactive database 103 for the specified salesperson information, as shownby step 42-9 in FIG. 42. The active database 103 obtains thissalesperson information from the SalesPersonData object 134 in theproposal and returns this salesperson information to the reportgenerator 104, as shown by step 42-10 in FIG. 42.

If the format specifications require static pictures or text segments,then the report generator 104 preferably requests the applicableinformation from the static database 105, as shown by step 42-11 in FIG.42. The static database 105 returns the requested information to thereport generator 104, as shown in step 42-12 in FIG. 42. The reportgenerator 104 repeats this process for each format specification on thepage layout 120, which builds a signature page that is then sent to theprinter, as shown by step 42-13 in FIG. 42.

In this fashion, the report generator 104 may print a customized andindividualized signature page, along with any predetermined textsegments and pictures that may relate to the product configuration thatis of particular interest to the customer who is to receive theproposal.

While the present invention has been described in connection with thepreferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that manymodifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, andthis application is intended to cover any adaptations or variationsthereof. It is manifestly intended that this invention be limited onlyby the claims and equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer system for facilitating sales of aproduct to a user, the computer system comprising: a user interfaceconfigured to query the user regarding product interests of the user; aselection device operatively connected to the user interface, andconfigured to present a customized proposal to the user based on theuser's product interests; an active database operatively connected tothe selection device, and configured to store the user's productinterests; a report database operatively connected to the selectiondevice, and configured to store a plurality of page layouts; a staticdatabase operatively connected to the selection device, and configuredto store product information; a difference database operativelyconnected to the static database, wherein the difference database storesupdate information configured for transmittal to the static database;and a report generator operatively connected to the active database, thereport database, the selection device, and the static database, andconfigured to link page layout identifiers with particular data thatappear in the customized proposal, wherein the customized proposalincludes at least one item based upon the user's product interests, andwherein the at least one item includes at least one of: a productpicture, an environment picture, and a text portion.
 2. The computersystem of claim 1, wherein the user interface is configured to query theuser regarding interests of the user.
 3. The computer system of claim 2,wherein the query includes at least one of the following query portions:a first query portion regarding selecting the product, a second queryportion regarding an intended use for the product, a third query portionregarding a request for technical information, and a fourth queryportion regarding selecting a product option by the user.
 4. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the selection device is configuredto create a proposal for the user by using information regardinginterests of the user obtained via the user interface.
 5. The computersystem of claim 4, wherein the proposal includes at least one productpicture, at least one environment picture, and at least one text portionbased upon information regarding interests of the user obtained via theuser interface.
 6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the activedatabase is configured to store information regarding interests of theuser obtained via the user interface.
 7. The computer system of claim 6,wherein the information stored in the active database includesinformation received from the user in response to at least one of thefollowing query portions: a first query portion regarding selecting theproduct, a second query portion regarding an intended use for theproduct, a third query portion regarding a request for technicalinformation, and a fourth query regarding a selection of a productoption by the user.
 8. The computer system of claim 1, wherein thereport database stores a plurality of page layouts.
 9. The computersystem of claim 8, wherein at least one of the page layouts isconfigured to display a product picture of a product selected by theuser, an environment picture of an environment selected by the user, anda text portion, wherein the text portion is associated with at least oneof the product and the environment.
 10. The computer system of claim 1,wherein the static database stores a plurality of product pictures, aplurality of environment pictures, and a plurality of text portions,wherein each text portion is associated with at least one of a productand a environment.
 11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein thestatic database further stores a plurality of product technical detailspecifications, a plurality of price specifications, and a plurality oflife cycle specifications.
 12. The computer system of claim 1, whereinthe report generator is configured to: read a page layout from thereport database, read a product picture, an environment picture, and atext portion selected by the selector from the static database basedupon information from the active database, and generate a report byinserting the product picture, the environment picture, and the textportion into the page layout.
 13. The computer system of claim 12,wherein the report generator is further configured to: insertsalesperson information into the report, and transmit the report. 14.The computer system of claim 1, wherein the at least one item based uponthe user's product interests includes a product picture, an environmentpicture, and a text portion.
 15. The computer system of claim 1, whereinthe query of the user interface comprises the following query portions:a first query portion regarding selecting the product, a second queryportion regarding an intended use for the product, a third query portionregarding a request for technical information, and a fourth queryportion regarding selecting a product option by the user.
 16. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the selection device is furtherconfigured to create a proposal for the user by using informationregarding interests of the user obtained via the user interface, andwherein the proposal includes at least one product picture, at least oneenvironment picture, and at least one text portion based uponinformation regarding interests of the user obtained via the userinterface.
 17. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the activedatabase is further configured to store information regarding interestsof the user obtained via the user interface, and wherein the informationstored in the active database includes information received from theuser in response to at least one of the following query portions: afirst query portion regarding selecting the product, a second queryportion regarding an intended use for the product, a third query portionregarding a request for technical information, and a fourth queryregarding a selection of a product option by the user.
 18. The computersystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the page layouts of thereport database is configured to display a product picture of a productselected by the user, an environment picture of an environment selectedby the user, and a text portion, and wherein the text portion isassociated with at least one of the product and the environment.
 19. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the static database stores aplurality of product pictures, a plurality of environment pictures, anda plurality of text portions, wherein each text portion is associatedwith at least one of a product and a environment, and wherein the staticdatabase further stores a plurality of product technical detailspecifications, a plurality of price specifications, and a plurality oflife cycle specifications.
 20. The computer system of claim 1, whereinthe report generator is further configured to: (i) read a page layoutfrom the report database, (ii) read a product picture, an environmentpicture, and a text portion selected by the selector from the staticdatabase based upon information from the active database, (iii) generatea report by inserting the product picture, the environment picture, thetext portion, and salesperson information into the page layout, and (iv)transmit the report.
 21. A computer system for facilitating sales of aproduct to a user, the computer system comprising: a user interfaceconfigured to query the user regarding interests of the user, whereinthe query comprises the following query portions: a first query portionregarding selecting the product, a second query portion regarding anintended use for the product, a third query portion regarding a requestfor technical information, and a fourth query portion regardingselecting a product option by the user; a selection device operativelyconnected to the user interface, wherein the selection device isconfigured to create a proposal for the user by using informationregarding interests of the user obtained via the user interface, whereinthe proposal includes at least one product picture, at least oneenvironment picture, and at least one text portion based uponinformation regarding interests of the user obtained via the userinterface; an active database operatively connected to the selectiondevice, wherein the active database is configured to store informationregarding interests of the user obtained via the user interface, andwherein the information stored in the active database includesinformation received from the user in response to at least one of thefollowing query portions: a first query portion regarding selecting theproduct, a second query portion regarding an intended use for theproduct, a third query portion regarding a request for technicalinformation, and a fourth query regarding a selection of a productoption by the user; a difference database operatively connected to thestatic database, wherein the difference database stores updateinformation configured for transmittal to the static database; a reportdatabase operatively connected to the selection device, wherein thereport database stores a plurality of page layouts, wherein at least oneof the page layouts is configured to display a product picture of aproduct selected by the user, an environment picture of an environmentselected by the user, and a text portion, and wherein the text portionis associated with at least one of the product and the environment; astatic database operatively connected to the selection device, whereinthe static database stores a plurality of product pictures, a pluralityof environment pictures, and a plurality of text portions, wherein eachtext portion is associated with at least one of a product and aenvironment, and wherein the static database further stores a pluralityof product technical detail specifications, a plurality of pricespecifications, and a plurality of life cycle specifications; and areport generator operatively connected to the active database, thereport database, the selection device, and the static database, whereinthe report generator is configured to: (i) read a page layout from thereport database, (ii) read a product picture, an environment picture,and a text portion selected by the selector from the static databasebased upon information from the active database, (iii) generate a reportby inserting the product picture, the environment picture, the textportion, and salesperson information into the page layout, and (iv)transmit the report.
 22. A method of generating a customized output witha computer system to facilitate a sale of a tangible product, the methodcomprising: receiving via a computer system, answers to a plurality ofquestions related to at least one of a desired feature and a desired useby a customer of a tangible product for sale; automatically selecting bythe computer system, in response to at least one of the answers, animage of the tangible product for sale, an image of an environment inwhich the tangible product for sale is to be used, and a text segmentcomprised of a description of product specifications and performancesthat are of particular interest to the customer; and integrating theselected images and selected text segment into a proposal for the saleof the tangible product for the customer such that a single compositecustomized output representing the tangible product in the environmentin which the tangible product is to be used along with said text segmentcan be generated, wherein the single composite customized output isgenerated by a selection device operatively interconnected to an activedatabase, the active database configured to electronically storecustomer information obtained via the answers, and operatively connectedto a static database, the static database electronically storing atleast one of (a) text, (b) pictures or (c) text and pictures relating toat least one product; and the computer system dynamically building atemplate utilizing the selection device to fill in the template toproduce the composite customized output.
 23. The method of claim 22further comprising outputting the composite customized output to a useras a customized proposal.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein outputtingcomprises displaying the composite customized output on a computerdisplay for viewing by the user.
 25. The method of claim 23 whereinoutputting comprises printing the composite customized output as aprinted document.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein outputting furthercomprises configuring the printed document as a printed proposal. 27.The method of claim 22 wherein the computer system stores a plurality ofpredetermined environment text segments related to environments in whichthe tangible product may be used, and the method further compriseslinking at least one of the answers with one of the plurality ofpredetermined environment text segments for inclusion in the compositecustomized output.
 28. The method of claim 22 wherein the computersystem stores a plurality of product specifications related to producingthe tangible product in a variety of configurations, and the methodfurther comprises linking at least one of the answers with one of theplurality of product specifications for inclusion in the compositecustomized output.
 29. The method of claim 22 wherein the computersystem stores a plurality of performance specifications related toperformance of the tangible product in a variety of configurations, andthe method further comprises linking at least one of the answers withone of the plurality of performance specifications for inclusion in thecomposite customized output.
 30. The method of claim 22 furthercomprising: presenting a series of predetermined queries related tofinancing the tangible product; receiving individualized answers to thepredetermined queries; and generating, for inclusion in the compositecustomized output, financing information related to the tangibleproduct.
 31. A computer system for generating a customized proposal tofacilitate a sale of a tangible product, the system comprising: a memorysystem having stored therein images of a tangible product for sale,images of environments in which the tangible product is to be used, andtext segments comprising descriptions of product specifications andperformances; and a processing system, operatively coupled to the memorysystem, said processing system configured to automatically select, inresponse to receipt of at least one answer to one or more questionsrelated to a desired feature and desired use of the product posed to acustomer, one of the images of the tangible product, one of the imagesof the environment in which the tangible product is to be used, and oneof the text segments comprised of a description of productspecifications and performances that are of particular interest to thecustomer from those stored in the memory system, and to integrate theselected images and the selected text segment into a proposal for thesale of the product customized to the customer's interests such that asingle composite output representing the tangible product in theenvironment in which it is to be used along with said selected textsegment can be generated, wherein the single composite customized outputis generated by a selection device operatively connected to (i) anactive database configured to electronically store customer information,and (ii) a static database electronically storing at least one of (a)text, (b) pictures, or (c) text and pictures relating to the tangibleproduct; and the computer system dynamically builds a template utilizingthe selection device to fill in the template to produce the singlecomposite output.
 32. The system of claim 31 wherein the processingsystem is further configured to provide a user interface to present thesingle composite output as a visual output to a user of the computersystem.
 33. The system of claim 31 further comprising a printercommunicatively coupled to the processing system and configured to printthe single composite output as a printed document.
 34. The system ofclaim 31 wherein the memory system further has stored therein aplurality of predetermined environment text segments related toenvironments in which the tangible product may be used, and theprocessing system links at least one of the answers with one of theplurality of predetermined environment text segments.
 35. The system ofclaim 31, wherein the memory further has stored therein a plurality ofpredetermined product specifications related to producing the tangibleproduct in a variety of configurations, and the processing system linksat least one of the answers with one of the plurality of predeterminedproduct specifications for inclusion in the proposal.
 36. The system ofclaim 31, wherein the memory further has stored therein a plurality ofpredetermined performance specifications related to performance of thetangible product in a variety of configurations, and the processingsystem links at least one of the answers with one of the plurality ofperformance specifications for inclusion in the proposal.
 37. The systemof claim 31 wherein the processing system is further configured toprovide a user interface to a user of the computer system, said userinterface including a series of predetermined queries related tofinancing the tangible product and said user interface configured toreceive individualized answers to the predetermined queries; and theprocessing system generates, for inclusion in the proposal financinginformation related to the tangible product.
 38. The system of claim 31wherein the memory system further has stored therein a plurality ofpredetermined environment text segments related to environments in whichthe tangible product may be used, a plurality of predetermined productspecifications related to producing the tangible product in a variety ofconfigurations, and a plurality of predetermined performancespecifications related to performance of the tangible product in avariety of configurations.
 39. A computer-implemented method ofgenerating a customized output to facilitate a sale of a tangibleproduct, the method comprising: receiving, at a computer system, answersto inquiries intended to determine a customer's desired features for anddesired use of a tangible product for sale; automatically selecting, bythe computer system and in response to at least one of the answers, animage of the tangible product for sale, an image of an environment inwhich the tangible product for sale is to be used, and a text segmentcomprising a description of product specifications and performances thatare of interest to the customer; and generating and displaying, by thecomputer system, a single composite customized output representing thetangible product in the environment in which the tangible product is tobe used along with said text segment, wherein a single compositecustomized output is: generated by a selection device operativelyconnected to (i) an active database configured to electronically storecustomer information, and (ii) a static database electronically storingat least one of (a) text, (b) pictures, or (c) text and picturesrelating to the tangible product; arranged as a proposal for the sale ofthe tangible product customized in accordance with the customer'sdesires; and presented within a template dynamically constructed by thecomputer system utilizing the selection device.
 40. A computer systemfor generating a customized proposal to facilitate a sale of a tangibleproduct, the system comprising: a storage system having stored thereinimages of the tangible product, images of environments in which thetangible product is to be used, and text segments comprisingdescriptions of product specifications and performances; a processingsystem, operatively coupled to the storage system and configured to:receive information concerning desired features and use of the tangibleproduct by a customer, automatically select from the storage system, inresponse to receipt of the information, one of the images of thetangible product, one of the images of the environment in which thetangible product is to be used, and one of the text segments thatconform to interests of the customer, and generate, using a selectiondevice, a customized sales proposal for the customer that integrates,within a template dynamically constructed by the computer system,selected ones of the images and text segments in a single compositeoutput representing the tangible product in the environment in which itis to be used along with said selected text segment, wherein theselection device is operatively connected to (i) an active databaseconfigured to electronically store customer information, and (ii) astatic database electronically storing at least one of (a) text, (b)pictures, or (c) text and pictures relating to the tangible product.